On September 30, 2009, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Indonesian island of Sumatra. It caused  extensive damage in the city of Padang and the outlying areas. Over 1,100 people were left dead and hundreds of thousands in need of help to rebuild their homes and lives.

The Caritas initial response was rapid: first teams went immediately to assess the damage, then member organizations started to send through staff and items such as tents, tarpaulins and food.

Caritas helped 110,000 people with shelter, 43,000 with food, and 105,000 people with access to clean water. Caritas was the first organization to assist the victims in several areas.

In October, Caritas launched an appeal to provide the following during a one year-long project that is still running:

1.  Permanent and temporary shelter for 16,854 earthquake affected people and road access to villages and agricultural areas for 2,057 people;
2.  Disaster training for 31,940 people;
3.  Agriculture/livelihoods support for 6,725 families;
4.  Education for at least 260 students/teachers;
5.  Psychosocial support benefiting at least 200 children;
6.  Safe drinking water for 5,661 people;
7.  Training for the Diocese of Padang to better respond to future emergencies.

Emergency appeal