Media Advisory: American Red Cross stands ready to respond to Indonesia earthquake

Editor's note: Red Cross spokespeople available for interviews in Sumatra, Kuala Lumpur and DC

WASHINGTON, Wednesday, September 12, 2007 — Following an 8.4 earthquake and its aftershocks near Sumatra, Indonesia, American Red Cross relief workers in the region are prepared to assist affected communities and are closely monitoring the situation. The American Red Cross has staff in nearby Banda Aceh, supporting ongoing recovery efforts following the 2004 tsunami. An American Red Cross disaster relief specialist is working with the International Federation's Asia Pacific Disaster Management Unit in Kuala Lumpur.

"Our team is 'on alert' to support our partners and to get help to survivors," said Alex Mahoney, Manager of Disaster Programs for Asia, Middle East and Europe for the American Red Cross. "We are hoping for the best, but given our experience in the region and the magnitude of the quake, we are getting ready in case we are called on to provide assistance."

The American Red Cross also has pre-positioned supplies in Kuala Lumpur, one of three regional warehouses around the world. Relief supplies—such as tarps, kitchen sets, blankets, buckets and insecticide-treated mosquito nets—are available, if needed.

The Indonesian Red Cross (known as PMI) has volunteers on the ground in Bengkulu and Palang, and immediately began to assist those affected by the quake. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is coordinating with PMI to provide relief support. Any assistance by the American Red Cross would also be coordinated with PMI and the International Federation.

You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each year, crises like the Myanmar Cyclone and China Earthquake, 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 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.