Christians Around the World Continue with Indonesia Earthquake Response

|PIC1|The worldwide Christian community response to the Indonesia earthquake remains in full swing over one week after the disaster struck the Yogyakarta region leaving more than 6,000 dead.

Aid agencies and doctors warn that the sanitary conditions continue to worsen for the approximately 650,000 people left displaced by the 6.3 magnitude quake, with many forced to wash with dirty water that infects wounds and spreads skin diseases.

There is also growing concern about the spread of bird flu in the quake zone with many aid workers concerned by some of the homeless sleeping in chicken coops that could contain the disease.

Christian organisations have been in the area since the earthquake struck, rushing vital aid and support to the survivors.

In the worst hit city of Yogyakarta, Tearfund’s partners have appealed for prayer as they continue to attend to the injured and homeless.

|TOP|Agustin Samosir, of Indonesian Baptist Aid reports: “Churches and youth group members in Yogyakarta are helping people who have not yet received major help. We are helping to evacuate people, prepare public kitchens, deliver meals and distribute plastic tarpaulins for shelter.”

Relief efforts have also been hampered by the heavy rain and many areas are struggling to see aid delivered, as hospitals continue to be overwhelmed by the number of injured.

The earthquake disaster has also re-awakened for so many the memories of the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami. John Samuel, Programme Director for Tearfund’s Tsunami response programme based in Banda Aceh, says: “People here in Indonesia are worried and fearful. This earthquake struck less than 18 months after the Tsunami.”

More than 7,000 aid packages containing essential items including blankets, tarpaulins, clothing and medical supplies have already been distributed by World Vision to provide relief to children and families in the worst-affected Bantul district.

|AD|Another major priority is the provision of safe accommodation as the heavy rain has driven many back to their damaged houses despite the threat of further collapse.

The protection of children is also a major concern. James East, of World Vision, speaking from Yogyakarta said: “In any emergency children are among the most vulnerable. Many have lost their parents or homes and will be facing possible trauma. We are working hard to reach these children to ensure their needs are met.”

Christian Aid is also in the region in partnership with Indonesian church organisations YEU and YTBI, as well as Church World Service, to bring vital relief supplies.

Meanwhile, US-based Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) is working with Action by Churches Together to provide survivors with food and essential non-food items such as temporary shelters, potable waters, hygiene kits, mattresses, medical services and psycho-social assistance.