World Vision's building collapses in quake

World Vision's building collapses in quake

World Vision's staff are safe but shaken after their building collapsed in Nias following the March 28 earthquake.

World Vision is sending additional staff to respond to new needs caused by the largest quake to hit the region since Boxing Day.

"We knew this was a big one – everything was moving around us and under us," said Patricio Cuevas, World Vision aid worker based in Banda Aceh. "The earthquake took out the electricity, so it was very dark and people were obviously quite scared."

It's the third disaster in as many months for Nias. Just a fortnight ago the volcanic island was hit by a typhoon.

World Vision is now shipping relief supplies such as blankets and water to the nearest accessible port in Nias, and relief programming already in place since the December 26 Tsunami, will be expanded to cover new needs caused by Monday's earthquake. Prior to Monday, the programme had focussed on the reconstruction of schools, health clinics and community buildings, benefiting thousands of Nias inhabitants.

ENDS

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