Sumatra Earthquakes – September 2009

On 30 September 2009 (AEST) an earthquake of magnitude 7.5 struck off the coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, causing significant damage to Padang and surrounding areas. A subsequent earthquake of magnitude 6.6 occurred just hours later in Jambi, about 200 km east of Padang City, causing further significant damage. Further aftershocks have been felt affecting Padang and the surrounding area.

Assistance

The Australian Government is providing support to Australians adversely affected by the earthquakes in Sumatra, Indonesia, through the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and Funeral/Memorial Assistance.

For more information on eligibility or if you have any queries, please visit the Centrelink Website or contact the Australian Government Samoa Tsunami and Sumatra Earthquake Hotline 1800 040 226

Centrelink’s Family Liaison Officers are available to provide social work services to the families of those affected.  Support includes crisis intervention, personal support, referral and practical assistance to affected individuals and families.  

Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment provides a one-off payment of $1,000 per eligible adult and $400 per child to assist Australians who have suffered serious injury, have witnessed the devastation of the disaster, or who are one of three immediate family members of an Australian victim of the earthquakes in Sumatra on 30 September 2009 and/or 1 October 2009 (AEST).

Claims for this assistance can be lodged at Centrelink until 6 April 2010.

Funeral Assistance

Funeral/memorial assistance is available to one immediate Australian family member of an Australian who has died as a result of the earthquakes in Sumatra on 30 September 2009 and 1 October 2009. This assistance will provide $5,000 for the funeral or memorial and related costs.

Claims for this assistance can be lodged at Centrelink until 6 April 2010.

Media Release

Joint Media Release between the Prime Minister and the minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs - Assistance for Australian Affected by Samoan Tsunami and Sumatra Earthquakes