Quakes Intensify and Move Into Mentawai Islands

After the 8.4 (revised from 7.9) quake yesterday evening our area has experienced 16 strong earthquakes. The most recent struck at 10.31am and registered 7.1 on the central west coast of Sipura. Five of the quakes have exceeded 7.1 and at least two have triggered tsunamis.

The quakes started in the Bengkulu/Enganno area 250 nm south of Padang and they have progressively moved north west.

Bengkulu suffered severe damage to buildings and at latest count the number killed stands at 9 persons.

Several buildings in Padang have collapsed killing one person. A large mall was severely damaged and partially burned due to electrical shorts resulting from last nights quake. Many buildings have been severely cracked and are not considered safe. Most of the coastal population have evacuated their homes and have moved to high ground.

Most domestic and international airlines have suspended flights to Padang. SMA have suspended flights to Mentawai until the condition of the Rokot airstrip can be assessed. Mandala are operating limited flights.

There is still no news from large sections of the west coast between Padang and Bengkulu. The south end of Pagai Island will have taken the full force of the tsunami and there are no reports from that area.

Sikapap in Pagai was damaged by a 3 m tsunami that has destroyed homes and shops along the waterfront. Food supplies have been lost and help has been requested by boat.

Charter boat operators have moved to anchor in deep water. Most have now reported that their boats are safe but some passengers had lucky escapes.

While there have not been any fatalities in the islands to date, communities are traumatized and many have lost homes, boats and businesses near the coast. Most fear returning to the coast and families are living on hill tops or slopes. Tarps are urgently needed for temporary shelter.

Donations will be used to purchase family buckets, tarps, building material and to mobilize boats to help in the area.