Eye on Asia Pacific

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Morning Magazine,

Published

Tuesday 6th October

A cluster of natural disasters which has hit the Asia Pacific region in the past week has left aid agencies stretched to their absolute limit.

Last week a seven point six magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of west Sumatra in Indonesia, causing landslides and burying people alive under debris as they tried to flee.

On the same day, a tsunami struck Samoa, hours after an eight magnitude earthquake struck between the islands of Samoa and American Samoa.

The wave’s reported to have been one point seven metres high and caused severe damage in island areas that are only a few feet above sea level.

Homes and lives were literally swept away.

This all comes as typhoons batter the northern Philippines and torrential rains flood three states in Southern India – claiming over one hundred lives.

Jamie Macdonald spoke to Red Cross International’s Michael Raper in a very busy time for the humanitarian organisation.