Indonesia Earthquake (Update 4) - Local government official praises Salvation Army teams

The Salvation Army's Compassion in Action teams in Indonesia continue to give practical, medical and social assistance to victims of the earthquake in Yogyakarta. Provincial Secretary Mr. Bambang S. P., speaking at a coordination meeting held by the local government, expressed his thanks to The Salvation Army for the assistance it is giving. He said the Army's teams are loved by the communities they serve because of their friendliness and willingness to work 'until the sun goes down'.

The team from Semarang, who were among the first people to respond to the disaster, has now been replaced by a team from Surabaya. A 30-strong group from Jakarta has also commenced work, bringing with it basic commodities for distribution to the victims. The two teams spread out and worked in seven areas. In four villages, medical help was provided and relief goods, generators and baby food were distributed. Generators and tents were also given out in three other locations. In the first day of work, 215 people were given medical treatment and 147 received food, generators and tents.

The need is great. More than 6,000 people died in the catastrophe - the earthquake in Yogyakarta generating more loss of lives and properties than the one in Nias, North Sumatra, last year. The Compassion in Action teams are doing all they can but do not have enough supplies to help the thousands of victims. Medical supplies in particular are desperately needed.