The FIRST Response disaster radio team is on the ground near Padang, a city of 900,000, to assist with relief efforts following two earthquakes that devastated the capital of Sumatra. More than 700 people are confirmed dead with many more still missing.
God’s timing never fails to amaze, as the FIRST Response team were training in Jakarta when the earthquake struck. Rather than proceed with a mock-disaster to test their preparedness, the FIRST Response team proceeded directly to Padang, to assist with emergency broadcasting at a time of great need.
They took with them a portable emergency radio station, including Feba's Chrysolite Mark 5 Suitcase Studio and other equipment in just a few suitcases. FIRST Response is working with government agencies, NGOs, and national broadcasters. After discussion with the government officials and NGOs they were directed two hours drive away to Pariaman, a more remote and badly-affected area where radio service was inadequate. They have been on air 24 hours a day from the earthquake-affected offices of the local government.
Broadcasts offer Vital Information and Hope
In addition to contributing food, medicine, blankets and clothing to survivors of the earthquake, FEBC Indonesia is also distributing over 1,100 portable radios, making it possible for listeners to gain critically important information and comfort following such a tragedy.
The Mayor of Yogyakarta came to visit Pariaman (his city suffered a similar quake in 2006) and was interviewed on the FIRST Response station offering his condolences to the people. Local volunteers from other radio stations have been helping out by running a late night call-in show. They've received lots of SMS text messages from listeners. Disaster relief broadcasts point listeners to:
- missing family and friends
- housing and food relief
- medical advice
- grief counseling
- job opportunities
But many more radios are needed!
How You Can Help
If you’d like to be actively involved in the rescue efforts unfolding in Padang and surrounding areas, please help fund additional radios to be distributed to people struggling with loss. Make it possible for them to hear words of comfort and hope from an FEBC Indonesia broadcast. Donate now.