Dear Friends,
The long clean-up begins here in Padang. First aid and general health continues in our humble clinic in Chinatown. Mostly wound and infection management, redressing bandages, suture removals, splints and some midwifery. Also, there is a great deal of respiratory distress due to the particulate matter in the air. This place is just dusty as hell. Everything kicked up from the debris like a tule fog. We were able to get our hands on a big supply of simple face masks. The whole town is wearing them. Believe it or not, it really helps. Quite often in a situation like this, the simplest solutions are the best.
We've also begun a small program that is bypassing all the confusion of the big organizations. Today we were able to obtain hygiene kits, food and tools--enough for about 150 families. This is mostly stuff that falls off the back of a truck...if you know what I mean. We will be sending the materials out in the morning as soon as the sun comes up.
Even though rainy season is upon us, there has been no rain for over a week. Very rare here. The weather, predictably here on the equator, has been hot and humid, about 90-105 degrees. The lack of rain has been a Godsend, because so many people are still without shelter. We will continue operations here.
Trying to raise enough dough to start a boat operation up to the more remote northern coastline, and from there overland up into landslide country. Again, thanks to all for your continued support. Padang, the crossroads of international surfing, is in distress and you are all answering the call.
Onward, ~Matt
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