Earthquake update

Some people have been curious about recent developments with post-earthquake efforts in Padang since news about the disaster just dropped off the news scene.  USAID actually just came out with a report on the disaster, relief efforts, and the current situation there: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/countries/indonesia/template/index.html.  According to the report, a total of 1,117 people died and 1,200,000 people were affected by the earthquake.  I talked to a friend who is from Kerinci (site of the second earthquake) and she said they are getting lots of relief supplies but needed help organizing it and handing it out to people.  Rebuilding homes seems like it is going to be the main long-term challenge, people are living in tent camps and its not likely houses will just be rebuilt immediately.  PKBI sent an initial team of medical staff to the site and then a follow-up trip with supplies was made last weekend.  PKBI has also been asked to develop and implement a three-year program with a base in Padang that will provide economic development and health services.  My boss Helfi is just drafting the program proposal so I will give another update further along in the process.