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Additional
emergency assistance deployed to Indonesia 30 May 2006 The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has mobilized three Emergency Response Units (ERUs) to assist with the Indonesian earthquake relief operation. ERUs are made up of trained teams of specialists and pre-packaged sets of standardized equipment ready for immediate use in disaster zones. The American Red Cross and the Spanish Red Cross Societies have jointly deployed a Relief ERU to assist with the allocation of relief, including food and non-food items, such as tents and tarpaulins, as well as the registration of beneficiaries. A Logistics ERU has been provided by the British Red Cross to handle the coordination of relief distribution, including transportation and air operations. The Danish Red Cross has mobilized an Information and Telecommunications ERU in order to help restore communications. “ERUs are an excellent example of how the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement is able to use its unique network of National Societies to respond to crises both immediately and effectively,” said Arnulv Torbjornsen, Head of the International Federation’s Delegation in Jakarta. “The units will also boost the capacity of the Indonesian Red Cross to respond to local needs.” Since the quake struck, the Indonesian Red Cross, with the support of the International Federation, has been providing humanitarian assistance, including emergency medical care, food, drinking water, and tents to the affected communities. In addition, a Red Cross field hospital has been set up in Bantul, where around 80 per cent of buildings were damaged or destroyed. The hospital has surgical, radiology, and obstetrics services and will be staffed by doctors and nurses from various National Societies, as well as the Indonesian Red Cross. It has a maximum capacity of 200 beds and can provide health services for a population of up to 150,000 people. Damaged roads, heavy storms and rain are complicating the relief effort, while water and electricity infrastructures have also been affected, making conditions difficult. The local branch office of the Indonesian Red Cross in Yogyakarta was damaged by the quake, making it harder for the local Red Cross to deliver aid. Mt Merapi, a volcano located about 40 kilometres north of Yogyakarta, is also increasingly threatening to erupt. “Despite all of the challenges facing us, we have managed to mobilize around 400 volunteers and staff, who have already treated at least 4,000 patients,” said Mar’ie Muhammad, Chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross. “They deserve a lot of credit for coping with such trying circumstances… But many injured people still need help while thousands are sleeping on the street so we must continue our efforts to provide them with medical assistance, temporary shelter, food, water and sanitation facilities and psychological support,” he concluded. On 27 May, the International Federation launched a preliminary emergency appeal for 12.8 million Swiss francs ($10.4 million USD/ €8.2 million). A revised appeal is expected later in the week. For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact: In Indonesia: Teresita Uspadin, Information Delegate Tel: +62 812 100 35 99 Howard Arfin, Reporting Coordinator Tel. +62 812 104 82 14 In Geneva: Anna Nelson, Media Officer Tel. + 41 79 724 20 46 Media Service Duty Phone (Out of hours) Tel: + 41 79 416 38 81 The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 183 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. © International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies |
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