Indonesia earthquake

Villagers stand next to a collapsed house after the earthquake in Pangalengan. [Photo credit: REUTERS/Supri, courtesy of alertnet.org]

A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Indonesian island of Java on Wednesday 2 September.

The situation

Early reports are that more than 46 people have been killed in the 7.0 magnitude quake. More than 400 people are thought to have been injured, while thousands of homes have been damaged. The worst affected areas are in Tasikmalaya and Garut districts.

Oxfam's response

Oxfam has a very experienced Emergency Response Team in Indonesia that has responded to more than 30 emergencies since it was set up in 2006, in the wake of the 2004 tsunami.

Oxfam distribution of tarpaulin for emergency shelters. [Photo credit: Oxfam] We are currently providing emergency shelter supplies to 1,000 families who have been worst hit by the earthquake, and have more emergency supplies ready to be deployed quickly if needed.

We are also working closely with the Government and other agencies to ensure that the immediate needs of the most vulnerable groups, in particular those of women and children, will be addressed, in accordance with humanitarian principles and standards and in a way which enables the speediest return to their normal way of life.

Update: 3 September 2009