An earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale struck the Yogyakarta region early on 27 May 2006. The quake was centred 25 kilometres south of the densely populated city of Yogyakarta.
It's estimated at least 5,782 people have died, more than 33,000 are injured and more than 200,000 are homeless.
Australia, through its international aid agency AusAID, has sent 66 disaster experts to Yogyakarta and committed $7.5 million to provide urgently needed medical care, food, water and shelter.
AusAID medical team attend to earthquake victim
The teams of doctors, nurses, paramedics and logisticians have been joined by essential services engineers and AusAID's infrastructure expert to assist the international relief effort. Medical, hospital and relief supplies, including $200,000 of orthopaedic instruments have also been provided.
The medical team have assessed 271 patients and completed 18 complex orthopaedic operations. Measles and tetanus immunisation and the treatment of respiratory and intestinal illnesses are now health priorities.
There has been significant structural damage to the south and centre of Yogyakarta city. Its estimated 140,000 houses and 45 health centres have been destroyed.
A team of Australian essential services engineers is working with UNICEF to help restore essential services such as water and sanitation, and assist local authorities determine the status and safety of public buildings. An AusAID structural engineering team has also left for Indonesia.
Australia stands ready to offer further assistance and will be closely monitoring the needs of the relief effort.
Australians concerned about family and friends in the region can contact the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555135.
How you can help
For more information on how you can help go to the Australian Council for International Development website
Media releases:
- Australia Mobilises Personnel for Indonesia Earthquake Aid Effort [May 29, 2006]
- Additional Australian Humanitarian Assistance - Indonesian Earthquake [May 28, 2006]
- Australia Acts Swiftly to Assist Victims of Indonesian Earthquake [May 27, 2006]
Photogallery:
For media images of the Indonesia earthquake relief effort see Indonesia earthquake photogallery.
Multimedia:
-
Destruction after the earthqake [mpg 5.207MB] [no voice-over]
Shows the destruction in one of the worst affected provinces, Bantul District. -
Medical teams in Yogyakarta [mpg 5.207MB] [no voice-over]
Shows Australian medics treating victims of the quake at a field hospital in Yogyakarta -
Assessment teams [mpg 5.207MB] [no voice-over]
Shows teams assessing water and sanitation needs and building assessments in damaged areas.
These video files are only suitable for broadband Internet connections, and may require a plugin to be viewed.
8 June 2006
