The Situation
Last week’s massive earthquake and subsequent landslides in west Sumatra obliterated at least four villages. Hospitals, hotels, malls and mosques were crumbled to the ground, and homes and cattle were swept away with the mud.

A WMI contact in Padang, one of the worst-hit areas, explains, “Our family is okay; our home is not. Some of the outside walls are partially fallen. The roof has collapsed. There are huge cracks and leaks everywhere. We have no electricity or running water. The city is in shambles, and people are still being pulled from beneath the rubble. We are concerned about friends and neighbors we have not seen yet, even a week after the quake.”

Because of WMI’s established country program in Indonesia, we were able to respond immediately and be among the first to reach desperate quake victims. Within two days of the devastating event, WMI technicians were distributing thousands of gallons of safe, purified water to those who need it most. Each day, WMI continues to provide more safe water for disaster victims; however, there is much work still to be done.

The Response
Late last week, Water Missions International began treating surface water and distributing it to refugee camps in Padang. Because the water source is located a lengthy distance from the camps, WMI technicians loaded the water treatment system onto a small trailer to mobilize it, making it possible to deliver safe water directly to those in need.

Twenty safe water storage tanks arrived in Padang on Thursday, October 8. The tanks will allow WMI to set up multiple distribution points and serve more people.

An additional water treatment system has been transported to Pariaman, another city that suffered extensive damage from the quake. The system is expected to be up and running by the weekend. This system will provide safe drinking water for up to 5,000 people.

Four more water treatment systems just arrived from Jakarta . Once WMI technicians on the ground can complete more assessments, the location of these water systems will be determined.

The Need
With a disaster of this magnitude, the need is great. Here’s what you can do:

• Donate:
  WMI needs funds to support this disaster effort. It is our mission and our hearts’ greatest desire to help those in need of safe water; however, we cannot do it without your help. It is only by working together that we can save lives. Please give today. Every dollar will make a difference!

• Pray:
  Our Indonesian staff has been working around the clock, with very little sleep, to help bring safe water to earthquake victims. Please join us in praying for their safety and stamina as they continue to serve in this way. We also covet your prayers for the arrival of funds to support this WMI relief effort. Please also pray for all the people who have been affected by this catastrophic event.