Envoy distributes Lebanese aid in Padang

Antara News, Tuesday, January 12, 2010 16:52 WIB

Padang (ANTARA News) - Indonesian Ambassador to Lebanon Bagas Hapsoro here on Tuesday distributed US$49,700-worth of aids from Lebanon for the reconstruction of an elementary school, SD 38 in Padang`s Kampung Baru area which was destroyed by the September 30 earthquake.

On the occasion, Bagus Hapsoro expressed hope that relations between Indonesian community, especially from Padang, and Lebanese community would improve in the future.

"The reconstruction of the school with the assistance from Lebanon is expected to be a cohesive force in the improvement of the relationship," Bagus said.

He also called on the people of Padang not to be disappointed in whatever situation but continued to be hopeful.

The assistance from Lebanon was symbolically received by Padang Mayor Fauzi Bahar, who extended his sincere gratitude to Lebanese community who have helped alleviate the misery of earthquake victims in Padang.

Fausi also expressed hope that the people in Padang would seen the devastating earthquake from a positive point of view.

According to him, Padang municipal administration would soon set up evacuation shelters for the local people when an earthquake and tsunami occur.

Meanwhile SD 38 Kampung Baru headmaster Kasniwarti said the powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter scale that jolted Padang on September 30, 2009 destroyed seven classrooms of the school.

Consequently, some 270 students at present are studying under two makeshift tents and two emergency rooms provided to them by local education office.