19 July 2006

Java, Indonesia: The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) volunteers are providing medical assistance and relief goods to people affected by the earthquake and tsunami, which hit the southwest coast of Java on Monday, 17 July.

According to local officials, at least 245 people were killed and PMI estimates that more than 28,000 people have been displaced by the quake and tsunami. As debris continues to be cleared, PMI anticipates the number of dead and injured could rise.

Members of PMI’s specialized Field Action Teams, known as SATGANA, were dispatched from seven local Red Cross branches, accompanied by ambulances and medical staff.

“Our volunteers and staff were mobilized as soon as they heard the news and have been working throughout the night to carry out search and rescue and provide people with drinking water and food,” said Arifin Hadi, the head of PMI’s Disaster Management Division.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has also sent an assessment team to Pangandaran Beach, the area hardest hit by the tsunami.

The tremor and tsunami caused widespread panic among local populations.

“We felt the earthquake and then later we saw families moving away from the sea, screaming ‘Tsunami! Tsunami!’” said 39-year-old Pak Limin, who fled his Pangandaran home, along with his daughter, in search of safer ground.

Limin is now staying in one of many camps set up by local officials for internally displaced people. PMI volunteers and staff from the International Federation are currently going from camp to camp assessing the needs of affected people.

Emergency needs in the region include drinking water, food, blankets, body bags and shelter for the displaced. The distribution of tents and blankets by the Red Cross is expected to begin later in the day.