29 May 2006

Salvation Army On The Ground In Indonesia Relief Appeal Launched

The Salvation Army has launched an international appeal to support its emergency response in Central Java following the traumatic earthquake that struck on Saturday 27 May. New Zealanders are invited to donate to bolster relief efforts in the most devastated areas.

The Salvation Army has mobilised a number of experienced emergency response teams, known as 'Compassion In Action' units, that did a superb job in Banda Ache after the 2004 tsunami.

A medical team based at The Salvation Army William Booth Hospital in Semarang is establishing a medical/health tent in Bantul village, which accounted for more than 2000 of the deaths reported so far and where most of the buildings were flattened.

Immediately following the quake Major Dina Ismael, The Salvation Army's emergency relief coordinator in Indonesia, was en route to Yogyakarta, close to the quake's epicentre, travelling via operational facilities in neighbouring towns.

Speaking on the day of the earthquake, she reported, 'The condition of the city of Yogyakarta is still uncertain at the moment because the people are still afraid to go back to their homes and afraid that another tsunami will happen. The quake (aftershocks) is still happening but not as big as this morning.'

A Salvation Army boys' home and church is close to the impacted area. Major Amelia Tatilang, the home's director, reported that many of the houses and buildings around the home had collapsed or suffered extensive damage. In addition to devastation in the city of Yogyakarta, she also reported damage
in the towns of Klaten, Kaliurang, Bantul and Parangtritis.

Major Tatilang said, 'The surrounding wall at the boys' home collapsed in the quake. The boys' bedrooms were damaged and also their function room. The boys will have to sleep on the floor because their beds are also not in good condition. Essential equipment in the home was also destroyed. Our water
dispenser, plates, glasses, cups, cooking utensils, refrigerator, freezer and cupboards in the rooms are totally destroyed. However we thank God all the boys (42) and the officers are safe.'

The Salvation Army International Headquarters released an immediate grant of US$20,000 to help people in affected areas who are in desperate need of food, shelter, medicine and clothes.

Support The Salvation Army Indonesia Disaster Appeal: Donations are urgently needed
Credit Card Donations, phone 0800 53 00 00
Or Secure Online Donations at www.salvationarmy.org.nz
Postal Donations to The Salvation Army, PO Box 27001, Wellington.
Designate donations 'Indonesia Disaster Appeal'.

ENDS

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