Red Cross Launch Disaster Appeal After Tsunami
The Bermuda Red Cross has launched a disaster appeal for those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia, which has devastated the nation, leaving over 800 people dead.
“The toll from an earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia soared to 832 confirmed dead today, with authorities fearing the numbers will climb as rescuers grappled to get aid to outlying communities cut off from communications and help,” the charity said.
“Indonesian Red Cross volunteers and staff are racing to help survivors of the earthquakes and tsunami that hit Central Sulawesi province on Friday.
“The full extent of the disaster is not yet known as communications are still down and rescue teams have not yet reached the district of Donggala, which was closest to the epicenter of the 7.4 magnitude earthquake.”
Jan Gelfand, Head of the international Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies [IFRC] Country Cluster Support office in Jakarta, said, “This was a terrifying double disaster – the powerful earthquake, and then a tsunami. The Indonesian Red Cross is racing to help survivors but we don’t know what they’ll find there.
“We’re now getting limited communications about the destruction in Palu city, but we have heard nothing from Donggala and this is extremely worrying. There are more than 300,000 people living there. This is already a tragedy, but it could get much worse.”
The Indonesian Red Cross has deployed experts in search and rescue, medical teams, five ambulances and three water trucks, and has dispatched emergency relief items such as tarpaulins, blankets, jerry cans, sarongs and sleeping mats. With road and air transport compromised, the teams are having to travel upwards of 10 hours to reach the disaster zone.
IFRC is expected to release funds from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund today to support the Indonesian Red Cross’ life-saving work.
Bermuda Red Cross is accepting financial donations only to assist the Red Cross offices in Indonesia to perform its tasks in assisting the many communities affected. Donations can be made by direct deposit into the following account: Bank of N.T. Butterfield : 20-006-060-365472-200
Go online to their website to use your debit/credit card, call them at 236-8253 Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:00 pm with your card details or mail or stop in at their offices: Bermuda Red Cross, Indonesian Earthquake/Tsunami Disaster Appeal, Charleswood, 9 Berry Hill Road,. Paget DV 03
