The situation

On 30 September, an earthquake struck 57km southeast of the city of Padang in West Sumatra followed by a second earthquake. On 1 October a further earthquake struck in neighbouring Jambi province.

Almost 300,000 houses were either destroyed and damaged. Classrooms, roads, offices and places of worship were also damaged.

Electricity was restored in Padang district and temporary shelters constructed for homeless families in the cities of Padang and Pariaman. Many rural areas remained inaccessible - which proved a major obstacle to providing humanitarian assistance.

As search and rescue operations concluded, the relief effort shifted into the six-month rehabilitation and reconstruction phase. Authorities expect the rehabilitation process to take some years.

The priority humanitarian needs included emergency shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, food and nutrition, education and health.

Red Cross response

Indonesian Red Cross sent more than 300 volunteers to help with the relief efforts, from relief distributions to logistics and emergency health and care, first aid and supplying water to 24,500 people a day.

The Restoring Family Links team reunited 16 people separated by the disaster.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Society's (IFRC) Regional Logistics Unit organised seven flights between 12 to 18 October, delivered 45 tonnes of relief cargo.

Australian Red Cross equipment (shelter kits, jerry cans, tarpaulins) was delivered on one of the flights.

Two Australian Red Cross aid workers were on the ground in Padang to help coordinate shelter for those who had been displaced.

A survivor collects water in Padang. Photo:Reuters/Nicky Loh courtesy(www.alertnet.net)

Structural damage in Padang. Photo: Australian Red Cross/Malcolm Johnstone

Residents of Padang in a damaged home. Photo: Australian Red Cross/Malcolm Johnstone