Note: The following appeal is now closed. You can support our ongoing work by donating to the Canadian Red Cross
An earthquake in Indonesia measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale hit the city of Yogyakarta, 400 kilometres east of Jakarta on May 27. Over 6,000 people are reported dead and over 50,000 people suffered injuries. The number of damaged houses now stands at 174,000, including 48,000 that were totally destroyed, 80,000 that were heavily damaged, and 46,000 that were partially damaged by the earthquake.
Canadian Red Cross workers continue to be active in the affected area as part of a group of over 150 representatives from 18 Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies from around the world. They are supporting the work of over 500 aid workers and volunteers from the Indonesian Red Cross.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) immediately launched an appeal for $10.8 million to support the emergency needs of survivors.
The IFRC is now appealing for an additional $34.5 million to help meet the recovery needs of approximately 65,000 families, or 325,000 people, in Yogyakarta and surrounding areas.
In addition, local authorities and the Red Cross are closely monitoring the Mount Merapi volcano, which has seen increased activity since the disaster. Red Cross and Red Crescent staff and volunteers are on stand-by and 50 metric tonnes of relief supplies have also been stockpiled in central and regional warehouses. A further one million people could be displaced if the volcano erupts.
The Government of Canada has provided $1.15 million to IFRC relief efforts through contributions from the Canadian International Development Agency. The Government of Ontario has also provided $200,000.
Canadians wishing to help the survivors of the Indonesia earthquake can make a cash donation online.
For more information please refer to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Web Story
Stories from the Field – On the frontline of the Indonesian earthquake