FIRST Response, FEBC's disaster radio team, is on the ground near Padang to assist with relief efforts following two powerful earthquakes that struck the capital of Sumatra last 30th of September.   24 hours a day emergency radio broadcasting is now helping victims as well as aid givers during this time of great need.   At least 700 people are reported dead  and hundreds still missing in Padang and its surrounding villages.  The numbers are expected to rise still.

The FIRST Response radio team, was in Jakarta conducting training and drills in disaster preparedness when the earthquakes struck.  It did not take long before the team decided to respond to the real thing rather than do a mock trial.  With local partners in government, NGOs and the national association of broadcasters, the team mobilized quickly to go to the affected areas and assist with emergency broadcasting.  They took with them a portable emergency radio station contained in just a few suitcases.

Based on recommendations from local partners, the FIRST Response portable radio station, was set-up in Pariaman, 50 km north from the capital.  Pariaman is more remote.  Its villages were badly hit by landslides and it was lacking in radio service.  In addition most aid was pouring in the capital city of Padang while the surrounding remote villages are not getting much attention.  So FIRST Response team focused itself on helping these areas.  Relevant, critical and helpful content are now being broadcast at 107.7FM, FIRST Response station, housed at the local government building of Pariaman.

FEBC shipped more than a thousand radio receivers to these areas and are bring distributed strategically ensuring that people benefit from the FIRST Response emergency radio broadcasting.  In addition, The FIRST Response team also delivered some relief goods: food, medicine, blankets and clothing.