World Vision staff members are distributing emergency relief items to more than 30,000 earthquake survivors on the Indonesian island of Java.
The quake, measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, occurred at 6 a.m. (local time) on Saturday when many people were asleep. It claimed more than 5,700 lives, injured at least 30,000, and as many as 200,000 have been left homeless. It also flattened buildings across the southern part of central Java, particularly south of the densely populated city of Yogyakarta, and neighboring Klaten town.
The number of casualties may rise as more and more bodies are found under the rubble of homes.
Indonesia is in a zone known as the Pacific "ring of fire." It is prone to earthquakes and volcanic activity. In March 2005, an 8.7-magnitude earthquake killed 1,300 people on the island of Nias. And the December 2004 earthquake that triggered a tsunami off the coast of Indonesia killed hundreds of thousands of people. Earlier this month, thousands were evacuated from the area surrounding Mount Merapi as a precaution against a volcanic eruption.
World Vision is There
World Vision staff members have already distributed blankets, tarpaulins, sarongs, and medical supplies such as stretchers, cots, gloves, and medicine to help those affected by the quake.
Over the next 30 days, staff members will distribute more of the above items, as well as:
- family kits (dishes, glasses, cutlery, cooking pans, and stoves)
- hygiene kits (soap, toothpaste, and toothbrushes)
- kerosene lamps
- flashlights
- high-energy biscuits for children under five to help prevent malnutrition.
World Vision will remain in the area for at least six months to one year, helping communities rebuild. One of the first priorities will be reopening seven community health centres.
World Vision has been working in Indonesia since 1960 and has helped more than 70,000 children through its sponsorship program.
What You Can Do
Click here to help rush emergency aid to children and families in Indonesia.
Updated 3 p.m., EST, Jun 5, 2006
