Red Cross assists survivors of latest Indonesia tsunami
The July 17 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that slammed the coast of Java in Indonesia has left death, destruction and distress in its wake.
The earthquake, measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale, triggered a two-metre high wall of water that hit homes, hotels, fishing boats and more on the southern coast of the Island of Java.
The toll of this disaster continues to increase. There are more than 500 people dead, 383 injured, 273 missing and more than 50,000 people displaced.
The Indonesian Red Cross is ensuring there is shelter, food and water available for survivors. To date, Red Cross has distributed 3,000 hygiene kits, 1,000 baby kits, 400 family kits, 3,000 tarps for shelter, 1000 jerry cans and 3,000 food parcels.
Understandably, this latest disaster has caused considerable fear in the region, coming just two months after a deadly earthquake claimed the lives of more than 5,300 in nearby Yogyakarta, and about 18 months following the tsunami that killed close to 200,000 people.
The Indonesian Red Cross is not calling for international assistance, as the Society has sufficient funds to meet current needs. Canadians wishing to help are encouraged to donate to the earthquake that struck Yogyakarta, Indonesia, on May 27, where needs are still great for the thousands left homeless by the powerful quake. Or, donations made to the International Disaster Relief Fund (IDRF) allow Canadian Red Cross to stand ready to respond to future international disasters.
You can make your cash donation online; by calling 1-800-418-1111, the 24-hour toll-free line that accepts VISA, MasterCard and American Express; in person at any local Red Cross office; or by mailing a cheque made payable to the Canadian Red Cross (earmarked “Indonesian Earthquake” or “International Disaster Relief Fund”) and mailed to The Canadian Red Cross Society, National Office, 170 Metcalfe Street, Suite 300, Ottawa, Ontario, K2P 2P2.
The Canadian Red Cross is a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which includes the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 185 national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The Canadian Red Cross mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity in Canada and around the world.
