American Red Cross Responds to Tsunami and Earthquake in Indonesia

Interviews Available with Relief Workers in Field

WASHINGTON, Monday, July 17, 2006 — American Red Cross relief workers have been deployed to respond to the latest earthquake and tsunami in Java, Indonesia. At 3:24 p.m. local time, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck beneath the Indian Ocean, approximately 150 miles from the western coast of Java. The hardest hit area was Pangandaran, a beach resort, and the earthquake was felt as far away as the capital city, Jakarta, where buildings shook, but major damage was avoided. The earthquake triggered a tsunami, approximately 6 feet high, that reportedly destroyed buildings and some hotels in the area. According to initial reports, as many as 80 people were killed. In addition, thousands of people have been displaced as they fled the coast.

The American Red Cross workers have been sent as part of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies’ (Federation) team of relief experts to assist with initial assessments and to support relief activities, such as coordination and the distribution of emergency relief supplies. These efforts will take place in close coordination with Palang Merah Indonesia (Indonesian Red Cross Society, known as PMI).

American Red Cross staff have been working with the Federation in Java since the May earthquake and are participating in this initial assessment. In addition, the American Red Cross has had long term recovery programs in Aceh since the December 2004 tsunami.

Every day people around the world are suffering from disasters, like the cyclone in Myanmar. You can help those affected by this crisis and countless others around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation by either contacting 1-800-HELP NOW or mailing your donation, with the designation, to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.