Assistance elusive for many quake victims in Pariaman

Humanitarian aid has eluded hundreds of people in Marunggi village in the West Sumatra regency of Padang Pariaman, where the Sept. 30 earthquake leveled most buildings there.

The residents have been sheltering at the remains of their devastated homes to withstand sun heat and rains.

“We heard quake victims in neighboring villages have received instant noodle. Hopefully the government aid will reach us as soon as possible as we are running out of food supplies,” local resident Riyaldi told Antara news agency.

He said the villagers also needed tents.

“We are afraid our children will fall sick if we have no place to live in,” he said.

Some residents took pictures of their ruined houses, saying they would send them to government officials as evidence that they were in dire need of assistance.