CRS’ emergency response team for the West Sumatra earthquake is already working as a well-oiled machine. Photo by Debbie DeVoe/CRS
Every morning around 7:30, CRS’ emergency response team in Padang, Indonesia, gathers around their one conference table. The team—which two weeks after the quake is now 25 strong—includes CRS Indonesia staff, CRS employees from around the world who have come in on temporary assignments, and newly rehired staff who assisted CRS with our tsunami response in Aceh.
Yenni Suryani, CRS Indonesia country team leader, leads the meeting. Each sector leader gives an update of activities planned and outstanding concerns that need to be addressed most urgently. At the top of the list today include determining if CRS’ transitional shelter response should provide materials, cash or a combination based on beneficiaries’ needs and availability of construction supplies—and if the decision is cash, figuring out how to handle the logistics with local banks and possible vouchers.
This blog first appeared in unedited form on CRS Voices
