Assistance for Indonesia earthquake victims
6 June 2000

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies today launched a preliminary appeal for 5,300,000 Swiss francs to assist the victims of the powerful earthquake that struck the island of Sumatra on Sunday. The funds will be used to provide 140,000 people with blankets, shelter, household items as well as medical supplies.

On 4 June at 23:30 hours local time, an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale hit the province of Bengkulu on Sumatra. According to recent reports, the quake has left 103 people dead and 500 injured, 250 of them seriously. It is estimated thousands of people have been left homeless.

Its epicenter was about 112 kilometers southwest of the provincial capital of Bengkulu (population 250,000). Bengkulu is some 600 kilometers northwest of Jakarta. The main quake was followed by 54 aftershocks measuring between 3 and 4 on the Richter scale. Buildings in Bengkulu town have been damaged or collapsed and the local airport is closed. Information from the rest of the province and from the island of Enggano, close to the epicenter, is scarce because telephone lines are down. The public hospital in Bengkulu town has been damaged, three other hospitals are operating on generators and thus have a limited capacity. Clean drinking water is a problem and supplies of blood and anaesthetics are running low.

The Indonesian Red Cross (Palang Merah Indonesia - PMI) provincial office in Bengkulu reports that it is providing first aid to victims as well as making blood supplies available. It is also assisting local authorities in a more thorough damage and needs assessment. Local suppliers for relief items (blankets, shelter material, first aid kits) are being identified. Since the local airport is closed, alternative plans are being made to transport urgently needed supplies by helicopter to Bengkulu, while other goods would be shipped there.

The International Federation has dispatched an emergency assessment team, including an information delegate, to the region. The team will fly by helicopter into Bengkulu tomorrow to assess emergency needs. As soon as more detailed information becomes available, the appeal may be revised.

For further information please contact:

Jessica Barry, Information Delegate, Indonesia, Tel + 41 79 217 33 76

Ira Hajdamacha, Media Service, Geneva Tel + 41 22 730 42 96

The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.