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Red Cross Responds to Second Tsunami in Less Than Two Years
Indonesia dealt another devastating blow by Mother Nature
even as it recovers from recent disasters
Written by
Katie Lawson
, Staff Writer, RedCross.org
Wednesday, July 26, 2006 — Members of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (the Movement) are responding to an earthquake-triggered tsunami in Indonesia that struck the southwest coast of Java last Monday.
Having recently experienced a 6.3-magnitude earthquake Memorial Day weekend that killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands, Indonesia was dealt another shocking blow when a 7.7-magnitude earthquake set off another tsunami—the second such natural disaster in less than two years.
Damage caused when an undersea earthquake triggered tsunami near Pangandaran, a popular beach resort in Java, Indonesia, July 2006.
(Photo Credit: Colin Chaperone/American Red Cross)
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On July 17, 2006, an undersea earthquake approximately 150 miles off the coast of Indonesia and beneath the Indian Ocean was felt as far away as the capital city of Jakarta. A wall of water struck West Java, killing several hundred people and displacing tens of thousands more; others remain missing a week after the deadly tsunami hit. Hundreds of buildings were destroyed when the wave crashed into fishing villages and resorts.
The city of Pangandaran, a beach resort community, was one of the hardest hit by the tsunami. Many restaurant stalls, fishing boats, hotels and homes were damaged by the rushing water. In some areas, the only recognizable debris remaining from these buildings was a pile of bricks and concrete platforms. Everything else was washed away.
There was also widespread damage west of the city, including the destruction of roads and bridges, making it difficult for aid to get through to survivors.
Palang Merah Indonesia (PMI), the Indonesian Red Cross society, began its emergency relief activities almost immediately after the tsunami rushed ashore. PMI has been working around the clock providing basic relief supplies including food, water, tarps and basic medical aid to survivors.
Many restaurant stalls, fishing boats, hotels and homes were reduced to rubble after the tsunami rushed ashore, July 2006.
(Photo Credit: Colin Chaperone/American Red Cross)
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The American Red Cross, which has had workers in Indonesia since shortly after the December 2004 tsunami, also sent relief workers to the affected area as part of an emergency response by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (Federation). The workers assisted with initial damage assessments and the distribution of relief supplies.
“The people are experiencing a lot of anxiety and stress,” said Colin Chaperon, an American Red Cross delegate working with the Federation’s relief team. “People do not want to return to their homes out of fear—fear of the aftershocks and what might come next.”
According to PMI, residents were traumatized by recent events, including the earthquake that struck Yogyakarta in May 2006, and memories of the 2004 tsunami that devastated people across more than a dozen countries. In fact, some officials encouraged residents to stay in temporary shelters as aftershocks rattled the region, but families are beginning to cautiously return home.
“PMI is continuing to respond, assess and monitor the situation, and additional relief supplies are now arriving in the area,” said Chaperon.
PMI is currently supporting temporary kitchens, and assisting the displaced who are in temporary camps, as well as recruiting more volunteers. PMI has extensive experience in dealing with natural disasters and is actively involved in promoting community awareness and disaster preparedness at the local level.
The American Red Cross was able to respond quickly because it has had staff working with the Federation in Yogyakarta since the earthquake struck in May. The American Red Cross has a delegation of more than 100 people in Aceh, Indonesia—the area hardest hit by the December 2004 tsunami—who continue to work on long-term recovery programs to help survivors and communities recover from that disaster.
You can help the victims of countless crises around the world each year, crises like the Myanmar Cyclone and China Earthquake, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation by either contacting 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish), or mailing your donation with the designation to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013 or to your local American Red Cross chapter. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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