Govt approves Rp600 B in aid for quake victims

Padang, W Sumatra (ANTARA News) - The central government has approved Rp600 billion in relief aid to help alleviate the financial burden of people whose houses were damaged in a powerful earthquake that hit West Sumatra province on Sept 12, an official said.

"The aid will be disbursed after the emergency response period has ended late next month," West Sumatra Vice Governor Marlis Rahman said here Monday.

The local government earlier proposed Rp1.8 trillion in relief aid to help people whose houses were damaged in a 7.9 magnitude earthquake on Sept 12 and a 7.7 magnitude aftershock on Sept 13.

A total of 11,961 houses were totally destroyed, 11,322 heavily damaged and more than 15,000 houses lightly damaged in the two quakes, he said.

The quakes also damaged 253 school buildings, 325 offices, 895 houses of worship and 298 public utility units and 56 shophouses, he said.