Cologne. Malteser International has released a sum of €100,000 for first relief measures to help people affected by Friday's earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia. This evening, a first team of three experts will leave for Indonesia to discuss plans for emergency aid measures with national authorities and a network of local humanitarian organizations in the country.
Malteser International's Emergency Relief Coordinator, Oliver Hochedez said, "The situation is very critical. Many people have now gone several days without eating. Right now, there is an urgent and immediate need for food and clean water. Injuries and a lack of medicines are also leaving people prone to diseases. Household essentials like hygiene items, utensils and blankets are also needed. This is why we are immediately allocating €100,000 for the procurement of relief supplies in Indonesia."
Malteser International is already in contact with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management (AHA Centre) in Jakarta. The Malteser International team are expected to arrive in Palu on Thursday evening, and will get a first-hand impression of the situation on the ground.
The extent of the devastation from the catastrophe remains unclear, and the number of casualties continues to grow. As of today, there were over 1,200 confirmed deaths and some 190,000 people are now in urgent need of help. The Indonesian government has declared a 14-day state of emergency and called for international assistance.
Note to editors:
Oliver Hochedez, Malteser International's Emergency Relief Coordinator is available for interviews.
A further contact person will be available for interviews from Palu by Friday, October 5 2018.
Press Contact:
Elena Stein
Tel.: +49 (0)221 9822 7181
elena.stein(at)malteser-international.org
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Reference: "Earthquake Tsunami Indonesia"
