Indonesia calls for help for 43,000 displaced by quake

By Ainur Rohmah

TUBAN, Indonesia

Indonesian authorities have called on citizens to provide assistance to around 43,000 people displaced by a strong earthquake that left at least 101 people dead earlier this week.

A National Disaster Management Agency spokesman told Anadolu Agency Sunday that infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly and the disabled are among those requiring special attention in shelters across Aceh province in northern Sumatra island after Wednesday’s 6.4-magnitude earthquake.

"The figure of displaced continues to grow because data collection is improving. There are currently about 43,000 refugees staying in shelters," said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho.

"We urge people to give assistance according to their needs," he underlined.

Noting that logistical assistance continues to pour in from various parties, he added that those displaced need support in education and counseling, requiring temporary schools, books and trauma healing services.

During a visit to hardest-hit regency Pidie Jaya on Friday, President Joko Widodo ordered relevant authorities to prioritize the rebuilding of mosques and schools -- after at least 33 and 58, respectively, suffered damage.

He said the ministry of social affairs was providing trauma counseling to children, organizing activities involving singing and learning.

Pidie Jaya’s Regional Disaster Management Agency reported Sunday that all victims, both fatalities and survivors, had been found.

More than 600 people were injured in the earthquake that left 101 dead, 93 of whom have been identified.

The country’s geological agency reported Sunday that residents were again surprised by a 5.3-magnitude aftershock in the morning.

The area has been hit by at least 74 aftershocks since Wednesday’s earthquake.