WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provided $300,000 immediately following the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck the Indonesian island of Sumatra at 5:15 PM local time on September 30, 2009. This initial money was provided to help with the most pressing emergency needs. USAID has also set aside an additional $3 million to provide further assistance once rapid assessments help better identify needs.

USAID is also deploying a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to the affected area to work alongside the Government of Indonesia and lead the U.S. government disaster response effort.

"We extend our deepest condolences to those who have lost loved ones in this earthquake," said Alonzo Fulgham, Acting Administrator of USAID. "The United States is committed to assisting Indonesia in its time of need."

Our emergency assistance is in addition to the over $166 million USAID provides to Indonesia for democratic governance, improved education and health care, environmental preservation, economic growth, and tsunami reconstruction.

For more information about USAID's emergency humanitarian assistance programs, please visit: http://www.usaid.gov/what-we-do/working-crises-and-conflict