Direct Relief Ready to Respond to Quakes in Indonesia
SANTA BARBARA, CA (September 12, 2007) Direct Relief International is in touch with its network of partners in Indonesia, where two powerful earthquakes shook the island of Sumatra and triggered a still-active tsunami warning for the country.
Indonesian social-aid organization Muhammadiyah, Direct Relief’s largest in-country partner, is gathering needs assessments from its network of local clinics throughout the island. Thus far, there have been no reports of significant damage or need for medical aid. Direct Relief has also contacted partners Pusat Kajian Perlindungan Anuk (PKPA), IBU for Aceh, International Relief and Devolopment (IRD), and CHF.
The U.S. Geological Survey measured the earlier quake at a magnitude of 8.2, with an epicenter 82 miles southwest of the town of Bengkulu. The latter quake measured a smaller but still powerful 6.6 on the Richter scale according to Indonesia's meteorological agency.
Tsunami warnings have been lifted for India and Sri Lanka, but Indonesia remains in a state of alert following the latter 6.6-magnitude tremor.
Located along the “Ring of Fire” plate boundary, the Indonesian archipelago is prone to frequent earthquakes. On July 17 of last year, the island of Java was struck by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. The tremor and ensuing tsunami, less than two years after the historic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, caused over 660 fatalities and USD $160 million in damage.
Direct Relief responded to the July 2006 quake with support of USD $80,533 to the IBU Foundation, Australian Aid International, and Yayasan IDEP to provide medicines, medical equipment, and assistance to displaced persons.
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