Home » Operations » Sumatra Earthquake

Sumatra Earthquake

Years :
  • 2009
Incidents :
  • Earthquakes
Country :
  • Indonesia

Description of the mission

Participants :
  • DK, EE, FI, SE
Requester :
  • OCHA

On September 30, 2009, a powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The earthquake’s epicenter, located near the city of Padang in West Sumatra, triggered the collapse of buildings and infrastructure across the region. Official reports confirmed 1,115 fatalities, with 1,214 severely injured and thousands more suffering minor injuries.

The devastation extended to over 135,000 homes that were severely damaged, leaving 250,000 families, or 1.25 million people, homeless or displaced. Hard-hit areas like Padang, Padang Pariaman, and Agam faced the brunt of the destruction, struggling with collapsed buildings, disrupted communication lines, and overwhelmed local resources. Immediate humanitarian assistance was critical to support survivors and coordinate relief efforts in this disaster-stricken region.

IHP’s Support to UNDAC and OCHA: ICT and Base Camp Deployment

In the aftermath of the Sumatra earthquake, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) responded swiftly to support UNDAC (United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination) and OCHA (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) in their relief efforts.

ICT Support

IHP deployed specialized Information and Communication Technology (ICT) modules to reestablish essential communication networks in the affected region. The modules were equipped with satellite phones, laptops, GPS devices, and internet access capabilities, enabling UNDAC teams to conduct real-time assessments, share information, and coordinate aid delivery. This ICT infrastructure proved vital in overcoming the region’s severely damaged communication systems, allowing humanitarian teams to operate efficiently across multiple locations.

Base Camp Establishment

In addition to ICT support, IHP facilitated the setup of a base camp near the epicenter to house and support humanitarian workers from UNDAC, OCHA, and other agencies. The camp provided accommodation, office spaces, and kitchen facilities, ensuring a secure and functional environment for responders to focus on their critical missions.

The IHP’s swift action in deploying both ICT solutions and base camp infrastructure played a key role in enabling coordinated and effective relief efforts in Sumatra. This mission highlighted the importance of partnerships and preparedness in responding to large-scale natural disasters.

Cover Photo Credit: UN Photo/E. Schneider

Essential equipment supporting humanitarian success

Explore the critical equipment deployed during this humanitarian mission. From advanced medical supplies to innovative logistical solutions, each resource was meticulously selected to address urgent needs on the ground. These tools exemplify our commitment to delivering efficient, effective, and tailored support in the most challenging environments.
  • ICT Support, Logistics support, Office and Accommodation

Other missions

  • TRIPLEX
  • 2006

TRIPLEX 2006

In September 2006, the TRIPLEX exercise was held in Finland's Satakunta region, centered around the cities of Pori and Kankaanpää. Organized by the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP), the simulation featured a large-scale natural disaster scenario, bringing together humanitarian actors, UN agencies, and EU Civil Protection teams. Participants engaged in critical tasks such as disaster assessments, coordination, and logistics support, while testing IHP's deployment capacities, including base camp services and communication systems. TRIPLEX 2006 provided a realistic and challenging training environment, fostering collaboration and enhancing the preparedness of international humanitarian teams for future emergencies.
  • TRIPLEX
  • 2013

TRIPLEX 2013

TRIPLEX 2013, hosted on the Danish-German border, was one of the world’s largest civilian-led humanitarian coordination exercises. Organized by the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) and co-financed by the European Commission Civil Protection Mechanism, it brought together over 200 participants from 35 organizations. The scenario involved a cyclone striking two fictional countries, Nordland and Sydland, affecting nearly one million people. Participants practiced evacuation, shelter provision, and infrastructure repair, with coordination led by the On-Site Operations Coordination Centre (OSOCC).
  • Preparedness
  • 2008

Uganda Preparedness

IHP provided ICT support to UNDAC during Uganda's emergency preparedness efforts. The deployment included satellite phones, laptops, and internet connectivity to ensure seamless communication and coordination in disaster response scenarios. This critical support helped enhance Uganda's readiness to handle emergencies, enabling efficient assessments and real-time collaboration with international humanitarian teams.

Log In

Log in