Oxfam is sending an emergency response team to Padang, Indonesia, following the devastating earthquake on Sumatra. They will join staff from local partner organisations who are distributing Oxfam's pre-positioned emergency stocks including 5,000 tarpaulins for shelter, as well as 2,500 hygiene kits and clothes.

A second quake hit another part of Sumatra Island. Oxfam is also sending in JCBs (high-powered tractors) to help with the clean up operation. Roads have been blocked by mudslides and need to be cleared so aid can be distributed.

Jane Cocking, Oxfam's Humanitarian Director said,

"Homes, schools, bridges and roads have been destroyed. Many people spent last night sleeping in the rain the evening, so we are distributing tarpaulin for emergency shelter. The devastation is making communications extremely difficult so accurate estimates of casualties and damage are not yet available. But early indications suggest a death toll of more than 1,000 is not unlikely. We are calling for the support of the British public to help us save lives in this grave tragedy".

Inel Rosnelli, working with Oxfam's partner PKBI in Padang, Indonesia, said,

"Many people are still trapped in the buildings. Most of the victims seem to be in the centre of the town and everything is blocked. Traffic cannot move because of the destruction. The hospital reports that at least 60 people are dead but the real number is probably higher. We have water today but safe drinking water may run out soon, the problem may also be sanitation".

The Indonesia earthquake came in the wake of Typhoon Ketsana, which swept through the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia earlier in the week causing severe flooding. Two million homes were inundated with floodwater in Manila and around 400,000 people have been made homeless. A super-typhoon is set to strike the Philippines again within 48 hours.

Philippines: Oxfam is helping 25,000 of the worst affected families in the Philippines by providing water and non-food items like blankets, soaps, cleaning equipment, clothes and water containers. Oxfam is also providing small cash grants and shelter at evacuation sites as part of its initial response.

Vietnam: In Vietnam a team of aid experts has been sent to the storm-hit province of Kon Tum in central Vietnam. Oxfam plans to reach over 40,000 affected people with cash for food and household items, water supplies.

Jane Cocking, Oxfam's Humanitarian Director continued,

"The flood waters have receded but the disaster is far from over in the Philippines and Vietnam. With water and power still out and mounds of rubbish rotting, disease outbreaks are a real concern. Our aid teams are working around the clock to ensure that people in the Philippines and Vietnam are kept from further harm".

Samoa: Oxfam is also responding to the South Pacific tsunami, which hit Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga on Tuesday. Waves flattened villages and swept cars and people out to sea. Teams have been dispatched to assess the situation. Oxfam has emergency supplies on hand for up to 10,000 people and expect to help coordinate the supply of clean water and sanitation for those affected by the disaster.