Government to Send Six Ministers to Padang
Thursday, 01 October, 2009 | 00:46 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: The government announced around 75 people in West Sumatra have died by the 7.6 magnitude quake West Sumatra, but warned that more victims were still buried in rubbles across the province.

In a presser after emergency meeting at the vice presidential residence, Jusuf Kalla said he has ordered six minister to depart for Padang on Thursday morning and send along emergency relieve supplies, medicines, tents, and food to the province.

Kalla said heavy equipments are also to be shipped to help evacuation works in the region.

At least 100 doctors from Jakarta, Medan and Palembang to be deployed for relieve operations scheduled to run for two months, as Jusuf Kalla said the disaster was worse than the early September quake in southern Java sea which killed over 70 people in West Java.

Municipal administration in Padang have occupied the Radio Republik Indonesia facility in Padang to calm down victims and displaceds in the seat of the province.

Mayor Fauzi Bahar told refugees to use all the vital resources like water and electricity wisely since the quake has damaged water pipelines all over the city and brought down power networks.

Local government were unable to begin rescue operation for trapped victims or survivors or assist locals to rescue their relatives on Wednesday as the overwhelming extent of the quake have strained local resources in performing the task. Local administration could only responded to the situation by providing sporadic relieves for refugees.

DIAN YULIASTUTI | FEBRIANTI