World Vision Rushes Aid to Indonesia Earthquake Survivors

|PIC1|The Christian international aid agency World Vision has rushed to the assistance of thousands of survivors left stranded after the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that ripped through Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Saturday morning.

The aid agency’s relief teams are already in the area bringing essential items including blankets, tarpaulins for shelter, and clothing to affected children and families.

The overwhelmed local hospitals are also being bolstered in their efforts to treat the wounded with World Vision medical supplies.

At least 1,500 aid packages from the charity have reached 1,500 families in the worst affected district of Bantul.

World Vision is coordinating its response with the Indonesian government and other aid agencies while a special assessment team of doctors and aid workers continues to assess the scale of the needs.

|TOP|World Vision staff doctor Ronald Gunawan says, "We are supporting five health centres damaged by the quake by providing tents, medicine, sanitation facilities, hygiene kits, and disinfectant."

Maintaining good levels of health throughout the affected quake zone remains one of the priorities as heavy rains continue to make conditions even more difficult for survivors and rescue workers.

"Some 200,000 have been left homeless," says World Vision's James East, speaking from Yogyakarta. "Heavy rain has forced some to return to their damaged houses in search of some kind of shelter despite the threat of further building collapses. Getting people into safe shelter is now one of the main priorities. |AD|

“Another major concern is the protection of children, as 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."

After a third night without shelter for many of the survivors, the official death toll reached 5,427 Tuesday morning.

UN officials said the most urgent needs were generators, tents, three 100-bed field hospitals and medical supplies mostly for the treatment of broken limbs, reported ITN.

The President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, reassured all relief funds would be spent on the earthquake victims and warned all government officials not to hold back any aid for themselves.

"I have asked (officials), and this has been implemented, that we must maintain transparency and accountability. Don't misappropriate one dollar," he said.