Sunday 28 May, 2006
Press release: Indonesian Earthquake #1

Caritas Providing Assistance to Earthquake Victims

Caritas confederation members are coordinating a joint effort in response to the 6.2 magnitude quake that struck the Indonesian city of Yogyakarta yesterday. The quake has so far killed more than 3000 and many thousands more homeless.

Caritas partner, Jesuit Refugee Service-Indonesia based in Yogyakarta, have already begun the distribution of basic relief items. They will soon be joined by Caritas members from Indonesia, USA, Germany and the Netherlands.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand International Programmes Manager, Tim Chiswell says at the moment churches and Church buildings are being used to house those whose homes have been destroyed by the quake. They are also being provided with food, non-food items and medical assistance.

In addition, the Catholic Health Commission has seven hospitals in and around the affected areas. All are operational and are providing assistance to the injured. Extra doctors and nurses are currently being sourced from Jakarta and Bandung.

Mr Chiswell said, “With the possible eruption of Mount Merapi, international Caritas members have been working in the area helping with disasters preparedness and pre-positioning of resources in the event of an eruption. This has meant they have been well prepared and able to respond quickly to this earthquake.”

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is accepting donations to help assist the thousands of people affected by this earthquake. Your donation will go directly towards helping those in greatest need.

Donations can be made via the Caritas website www.caritas.org.nz, by calling 0900 4 11 11 to make an automatic $20 donation, or you can post your donation to:

Caritas Indonesian Earthquake Appeal
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand
Freepost 689
PO Box 12-193
Wellington
NEW ZEALAND
Thank you for supporting the work of Caritas.

ENDS

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