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PCI Responds to the Indonesian Earthquake
On September 30, 2009, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Padang on Indonesia’s Sumatra island, followed by a 6.2 aftershock. At least 500 are reported dead and thousands missing, many feared trapped under debris and wreckage. The earthquake caused damage to more than 2,600 buildings, and electricity and communication remain cut off in Padang, which lies on a coastal plain and is surrounded by steep mountains. Less than 60 km to the north in Pariaman district, up to 80% of homes have reportedly been destroyed.
PCI is responding to the emergency with supplies to prevent an outbreak of malaria. The lack of shelter and increasing rainfall is causing concerns for the health of children and their families, many of whom are sleeping outside. PCI is also coordinating with other agencies distributing tents and plastic sheeting.
PCI staff and local NGO partners are continuing to conduct in-depth assessments of the impact area and mobilize immediate humanitarian response.
PCI has been working in Indonesia for nearly four decades to help improve maternal and child health outcomes, reduce the threat of HIV and malaria, and provide access to clean water and sanitation. PCI also supported recovery efforts for families impacted by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and continues to promote disaster preparedness at the community level.
PCI Responds to Floods in India
PCI is responding to floods caused by heavy monsoon rains in the state of Karnataka, India, where nearly 300,000 homes have been destroyed and more than 200 deaths reported. The flash floods also impacted the neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh, where more than 1,645,000 people have been affected. The government has opened 1,500 relief camps where an estimated 827,000 people are currently seeking refuge.
PCI Responds to the Outbreak of Cholera in Ethiopia
In the remote region of Afar in northern Ethiopia, an outbreak of cholera has affected more than 4,500 people and claimed 114 lives since April 2009. Ten districts, or woredas, of Afar were affected through September. PCI has mobilized its staff in Afar and Washington DC to design and implement a response. Due to the remoteness and challenging environment posed by the impact area, cholera has the potential to have disastrous consequences on affected communities, who lack access to critical information, clean water, and health services. PCI is now in consultation with UN agencies and other international and local partners about its response, which is designed to support community-based approaches to identification and management of cases of cholera, as well as strengthening initiatives to prevent future outbreaks.
PCI Responds to the Food Crisis in Guatemala
The effects of climate change and variability, in conjunction with the escalating prices of food, fuel and production inputs, have caused a severe food crisis in Guatemala that puts more than 327,000 people at risk of food and nutrition insecurity. Most affected is the “dry corridor” region where an estimated 50% of rural families are vulnerable to becoming food insecure.
In response to this growing crisis, PCI has begun to mobilize staff from its Washington DC, San Diego, and Guatemala offices. PCI is assessing the situation in two affected areas of the country - in Chiquimula in the dry corridor, and in Huehuetenango. At present, PCI is in consultation with donors and partners about strategies to support children and other vulnerable populations with immediate access to nutrition, as well as strategies to reinforce livelihoods and coping mechanisms and address the root causes of the food crisis in the country.
PCI Bolivia Mobilizes its Bolivia Staff to Mitigate Potential Implications of El Nino
Based on weather predictions and early detection of abnormal rainfall patterns, PCI Bolivia and PCI Washington DC have initiated efforts to prepare for a potential rapid response designed to prevent and mitigate the season’s potential negative consequences on vulnerable populations.
Support Our Crisis Response Efforts
Through PCI's President's Fund
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