Salvation Army in Indonesia provides medical assistance after volcanic eruption

SALVATION Army medical workers are providing assistance to people affected by the eruption of Mount Merapi in Indonesia. At least 64 people are known to have lost their lives in the disaster and an estimated 75,000 people have had to be evacuated from their homes, with many now living in temporary camps.

An assessment was carried out by personnel from the William Booth General Hospital in Samarang and The Salvation Army's Java and Bali Divisional Headquarters. They reported that the government is providing meals, shelter and general health services but that there is an urgent need for nutrition and milk for children, and for health provision for children, nursing mothers and pregnant women.

The Salvation Army response team is based in Yogyakarta, about an hour's drive from the volcano. Team members expect to be in place for three to four weeks although this may change after a more complete assessment and when it becomes clearer how long people will be displaced.

A sum of US$17,400 has been made available for the initial response but it is thought likely that more funds will be needed in the longer term.