Padang Earthquake
Padang Earthquake Photo GalleryA violent earthquake struck the city of Padang in West Sumatra, Indonesia on September 30, 2009. The earthquake left widespread destruction in Padang and the surrounding villages and traumatized many people.
Government statistics for West Sumatra report that:
- 704 people died as a result of the earthquake.
- 102,000 houses were severely damaged.
- 104,000 houses sustained minor damage.
In Padang, a high proportion of multi-story buildings such as schools, hotels and shopping centers collapsed in the earthquake or needed to be demolished as a result of significant structural damage. The majority of residential houses in the city were not badly damaged but there were some badly hit areas.
Rural areas north of the city were devastated. Landslides triggered by the quake caused major loss of life in some villages. Rehabilitation of these villages is ongoing and some villages may even be relocated. This has been an extremely traumatic experience for local residents, some of whom have who have lost loved ones, houses or businesses, and others who cannot sleep at night, frightened by worries of an even bigger quake in the future.
International and domestic relief agencies continue to work in West Sumatra, both in Padang and in surrounding areas.
Prayer Points:
- Pray that God will comfort and encourage the residents of West Sumatra, Indonesia as they recover from this disaster in the coming months and years.
- Pray for the teams of development workers as they continue reconstruction efforts.
- Pray for good communication and coordination among domestic and international relief efforts.
Learn about the Minangkabau people.