World Vision sends in aid to Yogyakarta

With the death toll rising rapidly, more than 2,200 people have now been confirmed killed and another 3,000 injured by the 6.2 richter quake that struck the central region of the Indonesian island of Java.

The quake impacted a vast area across the southern-part of central Java, particularly south of Yogyakarta and neighboring Klaten town. Media reports said the number of casualties might further escalate as more and more bodies were found under the rubble of their homes. In Yogyakarta special province alone, reports said, the casualties figure had already reached 2,200, while in Klaten area some 300 were thought dead.

World Vision Indonesia has already sent a first truck of aid from Jakarta for 200 families. Blankets, tarpaulins and sarongs are due to arrive Sunday morning local time following a ten-hour trip. Meanwhile, WV relief officers are flying to Central Java Saturday evening to handle the aid distribution, to do a rapid needs assessment and to decide on further action.

Hundreds of homes and buildings have collapsed although details remain sketchy. However, there is not yet enough information to indicate how many people have been affected and are in need of assistance.

Several international agencies were already currently in the area preparing for the possible eruption of Mount Merapi, so have been able to divert aid to the current emergency. Hospitals were also well prepared to take scores of casualties. Nevertheless, hospitals have been treating hundreds of victims outside due to overcrowding or because hospital buildings were no longer safe. Thousands of displaced people crowded Yogyakarta's main city square and other fields and have been using makeshift plastic tents for protection from heat and wind.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono flew to neighboring Solo city in the afternoon to help organize the emergency response to support thousands of survivors. Yogyakarta's airport suffered damage and might only operate again from Monday. The President has ordered the army to dispatch its troops to help the victims, including retrieving the bodies, prepare the burial and to help with food and non-food distribution.

ENDS

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