A magnitude 7.5 earthquake devastated Indonesia yesterday bringing down buildings, bridges and setting off landslides. Local officials have thus far reported 200 bodies found but more casualties are expected as relief efforts pick up.1
The Indonesian tremor occurred just shortly in the aftermath of Samoa’s 8.0 magnitude earthquake that precipitated a tsunami resulting in 150 deaths at last count.2
Meanwhile, the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia, still recovering from the havoc Typhoon Ketsana has wrought just days ago, face a potentially destructive new storm heading their way. Already, the death toll has risen to over 400 in the area, including 277 from the capital of the Philippines alone.3
Social networks have been helpful at least in providing comfort to those who learn that family and friends overseas are safe—that is, if lines aren’t down to begin with. API organizations have yet to mobilize to assist in relief efforts, but many in Twitter space are pointing to the Red Cross with local and overseas chapters soliciting donations to support such efforts.
To contribute to the American Red Cross in their efforts, please donate to the International Response Fund. Call 1-800-733-2767 or go to redcross.org.
1 News Service, ”Powerful Quakes Upend Lives of Thousands”, The Washington Post, Oct. 1, 2009
2 Rod McGuirk and Audry McAvoy of The Associated Press “Death toll in Samoas tsunami reaches 150, The Washington Post, Oct. 1, 2009
3 Nguyen Van Vinh of Reuters, “Philippines braces for second stronger typhoon”, The Washington Post, Oct. 1, 2009
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