NW Medical Teams Volunteers are safe in Sumatra
The Indonesian island of Sumatra has been hit by a strong 8.2 earthquake (news link). Northwest Medical Teams currently has 18 volunteers and staff in Sumatra, 10 of which are from the Oregon and Washington.
Northwest Medical Teams is a non-profit humanitarian aid organization working to reduce suffering around the world and in the Pacific Northwest. The organization holds 501(c)3 status and is incorporated in the state of Oregon.
A statement just came in from spokesperson Barbara Agnew: " Northwest Medical Teams has heard from both its teams in Banda Aceh and in Lamno. When the earthquake hit this morning off, they all ran out into the street. The ground was shaking so violently that they became nauseous. Fortunately, none of the surrounding buildings have been damaged but the volunteers are seeing widespread panic among the local people. Because of the late hour (the earthquake occurred at 11:09 p.m. in Sumatra) they are awaiting to assess the damage and need for care when light returns and electricity is stable.We are monitoring the situation and at this time have no plans for evacuation. We will issue an update this afternoon on our plans for further response."