The Salvation Army continues to provide emergency assistance and medical services to people affected by the September 30 earthquake in West Sumatra, Indonesia.

Immediately following the disaster The Salvation Army provided 1,000 tents, 2,000 blankets and 5,000 packets of milk powder to those whose communities were flattened or completely covered by subsequent landslides. More than 30,000 people were displaced from their homes.

Now, a makeshift medical tent sees an average of 200 patients a day. This is the only medical service available for miles. A mobile clinic visits a number of rural communities on a daily basis providing much needed medical care.

Canadian Salvation Army officer, Major Bill Barthau, recently arrived on the scene. Plans for the construction of 60 temporary houses for widows and their families, along with the reconstruction of a primary school that was severely damaged, are at an advanced stage.

A number of other projects will also assist the affected families.

The Salvation Army remains flexible in its approach and is constantly reviewing its work to ensure that it is able to compliment that of other agencies so that all communities receive the assistance they need.