Earthquake Disaster off the Coast of Padang, West Sumatera in Indonesia(Dispatch of Japan Disaster Relief Team and Messages of Sympathy)

October 1, 2009
Japanese

On October 1, the Government of Indonesia made a request to the Japanese Embassy to dispatch Japan disaster relief teams and provide emergency assistance in response to the earthquake disaster which occurred off the Coast of Padang, West Sumatera on September 30 (Wed).
Today, on October 1, in light of the request from the Government of Indonesia, Japan has decided to dispatch Japan disaster relief teams composed of a rescue team and a medical team under directions from Mr. Yukio Hatoyama, Prime Minister of Japan, to extend all possible aid to the victims of the disaster. Japan has also decided to provide emergency assistance (tents, sleeping mats, blankets, generators, etc.).
The rescue team is scheduled to be dispatched from Japan until October 8 and will be comprised of approximately 60 members from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Police Agency, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, Japan Coast Guard and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The medical team is scheduled to be dispatched from Japan until October 14 and will be comprised of approximately 23 members including doctors affiliated with JICA and nurses.
The rescue team and medical team are scheduled to depart on a chartered JAL aircraft today, October 1, at 9:40 PM.
Also on October 1, regarding this earthquake disaster, Prime Minister Hatoyama sent a message of sympathy to Dr. H. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, President of the Republic of Indonesia. Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, also sent a message of sympathy to Dr. N. Hassan Wirajuda, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. Both messages expressed condolences to the bereaved families and the swift recovery of those who suffered from damages as well as a speedy reconstruction process.

(Reference) Overview of the Earthquake

(1) Time: September 30 5:16 PM (7:16 PM JST)

(2) Epicenter: 45 km west-southwest of Padang, West Sumatera

(3) Depth: 80 km

(4) Magnitude: 7.6 on the Richter Scale (Announced by the United States Geological Survey)

(5) Extent of Damage

A number of buildings in towns near the epicenter suffered damage. According to local press coverage and other sources (3:35 PM JST), approximately 464 people were confirmed dead, 500 injured, and thousands were trapped under collapsed buildings.

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