Java Earthquake (Indonesia)
Around 6,000 people were killed, and thousands injured by the earthquake that struck Yogyakarta, South Central Java on Saturday 27 May 2006.
Over 156,000 homes were completely destroyed and another 442,700 sustained earthquake damage. Around 78,000 people were injured as buildings collapsed around them.
The earthquake has left 1.5 million people homeless.
Several structures that were built around wells to protect them from contamination were destroyed in the quake, leaving water sources in danger of contamination. There is now an increased risk of diseases spreading among the survivor population.
The Merapi volcano, near Yogyakarta, remains a real danger and the government has imposed a 3 km exclusion zone around it.
Farmers
Agriculture is the main source of income for people in the affected area, but many farmers have been unable to work since the earthquake struck.
As villagers begin clearing up their homes, rice fields have been turned into dumps for the tonnes of rubble left by the quake.
The few farmers that are able to work have nowhere to sell their produce as many of the local market buildings disappeared in the quake.
IR Response
IR has launched an appeal for £2 million to help meet the immediate needs of earthquake survivors. An initial £500,000 has been allocated for the emergency.
Aid distributions
IR has distributed 4,085 hygiene kits, 4,085 bed sheets and tarpaulins for 2,412 people.
IR aid workers and volunteers are also distributing tools to the survivors to help them clear the rubble and rebuild houses.
In partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ and the Latter Day Saints, medical supplies and equipment worth $1.6 million is being distributed to medical facilities in the area.
Clothing, hygiene kits and food worth €44,000 from Islamic Relief's France office has arrived in Yogyakarta and is being distributed among survivors.
©Islamic Relief
Community mobilisation
IR aid workers are organising groups of survivors to begin the cleanup of the disaster area and to provide assistance to other survivors. Communities in Sumber Agung village are clearing up the rubble, while in Jetis, IR has helped survivors set up community kitchens.
IR's emergency response team is also organising community groups to build latrines and is helping survivors build temporary shelters. Over 1,500 people in Sumber Agung have received tools, equipment, raw materials and engineering advice.
Water
A water purification unit has been installed in Klaten subdistrict.
