ADRA Responds to Indonesia Earthquake

29 May 2006

Wahroonga, New South Wales — The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia has contributed to an ADRA network-wide response to the earthquake which struck Yogyakarta Province, in Central Java, Indonesia on 27 May.

ADRA has emergency response teams already on the ground on Java Island and is rushing additional emergency staff into the affected region.

ADRA Australia’s contribution is part of an initial ADRA network-wide allocation of just over US$100,000 to get relief efforts underway immediately. Fund are intended to provide tents/shelter, medical care and supplies, mats, blankets, sarongs, hygiene items, food kits and cooking supplies for affected families and psychological support for affected children. A Seventh-day Adventist Church in the hard-hit subdistrict of Bantul has been opened as a shelter for displaced families. ADRA will work in collaboration with other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the UN to expand its response efforts in the coming days.

“ADRA has been working in Indonesia for several years, including responding to the recent tsunami,” stated David Jack, CEO for ADRA Australia. “This response is part of our continued assistance to the people of Indonesia.”

To assist ADRA Australia in its response to earthquake survivors, donate to its Indonesia Earthquake Fund online at www.adra.org.au or by phone on 1800 242 372.

Initial reports state the earthquake measured 5.9 on the Richter scale. The death toll is currently nearing 5,000 people with thousands more injured and displaced.

ADRA Australia is one of the country’s largest and most active humanitarian agencies engaging in sustainable development programs and disaster relief for people in Australia and abroad.

The ADRA network has an active presence in more than 125 countries. In 2004/05 ADRA Australia provided almost $10 million of humanitarian assistance nationally and internationally.

ADRA Australia is a major non-government organisation (NGO) fully accredited with the Australian Government’s Agency for International Development (AusAID). It is a signatory to the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Code of Conduct which requires members to maintain high standards of corporate governance, public accountability and financial management.

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