TEAR Fund Press Release

For Immediate Release: 31/05/06

Rain Compounds Suffering in Earthquake Zone, New Zealanders Continue to Give

TEAR Fund is reporting persistent rain is compounding the suffering of earthquake victims in and around Yogyakarta.

TEAR Fund’s partners on the ground say torrential rain, alongside a lack of proper sanitation, has put the almost 200,000 people left homeless by this disaster at risk from exposure and water-born disease.

Field worker, Agustin Samosir, says shelter, medicines and clean water remain the most urgent priorities. “There are doctors from Surabaya and some nurses from Lampung who have arrived since Sunday morning. Further medical help has come from Kediri.”

“Basic needs are becoming more expensive in Yogyakarta. Gasoline is very hard to find,” adds Samosir.

TEAR Fund, through its regional partners, is working in the hardest hit areas and rural villages east of Yogyakarta, including the village of Gadongan. This village of 175 families has received no assistance from any other source. Homes in the village, constructed from inadequate building materials, have been completely destroyed.

TEAR Fund is providing emergency supplies, including food, water, medicine and tents. The aid organisation is also working to construct latrines.

Meanwhile, despite fears of donor-fatigue, TEAR Fund reports it has received a steady flow of donations since the weekend. “Despite so many recent disasters, I think this current tragedy demonstrates the culture of philanthropy is alive and well in New Zealand,” says TEAR Fund Executive Director, Stephen Tollestrup. “We are still willing to give when we see suffering on this scale.”

TEAR Fund is receiving donations for its emergency relief response in Yogyakarta and its surrounding areas. Donations can be made online at www.tearfund.org.nz or on 0800 800 777.

ENDS

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