Salvation Army responds to earthquake in Indonesia
The people of Indonesia suffered more trauma when a strong earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck the island of Java, flattening buildings in a densely populated area south of the city of Yogyakarta. Latest media reports indicate 2,800 people have been killed and thousands more injured. Exact numbers are not known as many are still presumed trapped under rubble.
Launching an immediate response, Commissioner Johannes Watilete, leader of The Salvation Army in Indonesia, directed key personnel to the site. Transportation is very difficult as the international airport has been damaged by the quake and inbound flights re-routed. Even national public transport has been shut down. The Salvation Army has a number of experienced emergency response teams, known as ‘Compassion In Action’ units, and their medical team based at the William Booth Hospital in Semarang is establishing a medical/health tent in Bantul village.
Close to the impacted area The Salvation Army has a boys' home and church. Major Amelia Tatilang, director of the boys' home, reports that many of the houses and buildings around the home have collapsed or suffered extensive damage. In addition to the city of Yogyakarta, she also reports damage in the towns of Klaten, Kaliurang, Bantul and Parangtritis.
Speaking soon after the quake, Major Tatilang said, ‘The surrounding wall at the boys' home collapsed in the quake. The boys' bedrooms were damaged and also their function room. The boys will have to sleep on the floor because their beds are also not in good condition. Essential equipment in the home was also destroyed. Our water dispenser, plates, glasses, cups, cooking utensils, refrigerator, freezer and cupboards in the rooms are totally destroyed. However we thank God all the boys (42) and the officers are safe.’
Major Dina Ismael, the Salvation Army’s emergency relief coordinator in Indonesia, is en route to the area, travelling via operational facilities in neighbouring towns. Major Ismael reports, ‘The condition of the city of Yogyakarta is still uncertain at the moment because the people are still afraid to go back to their homes and afraid that another tsunami will happen. The quake (aftershocks) is still happening but not as big as this morning.’
An immediate grant of US$20,000 has been released from The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters to help the people in affected areas who are in desperate need of food, shelter, medicine and clothes.
International Emergency Services
