Donors Urged to Support Java Earthquake Emergency Relief

Posted: 16 June 2006

Oxfam Joins Five Other Aid Groups In Appeal For Funds

Oxfam, in conjunction with five other international non-government organizations (NGOs), appealed for emergency relief this week, addressing continuing needs for shelter and other provisions in the Yogyakarta area in the wake of last month’s earthquake. Recovery plans lack funds from donors and the international community, the six aid groups collectively reported.

Oxfam International, Islamic Relief, World Vision, CARE Indonesia, International Rescue Committee and Plan International said they did not have the funds to carry out urgently needed relief work for communities affected by the earthquake.

David MacDonald, Oxfam Indonesia's Country Program Manager, said: "The scale of this disaster is much greater than first thought. Donors responded swiftly in the initial stages but now we need them to re-evaluate their commitments to reflect ongoing urgent needs for the basics such as shelter, water and sanitation."

The Indonesian Government estimates the number of homes destroyed is 156,964 with another 183,741 heavily damaged. Using an average of five people per home that means up to 1.5 million people could be homeless -- more than triple the number left homeless after the Asian tsunami hit the Indonesian province of Aceh in December 2004.

The UN launched an appeal for $103 million USD for a six-month emergency relief and recovery plan June 1st, but so far just over $21million has been pledged.

The earthquake which struck the central Indonesian island of Java almost three weeks ago killed 5,736 people and injured 78,206, according to latest Indonesian Government figures.

The six non-government organizations are working together with local partner organizations, other NGOs, the UN, the Indonesian Government and local communities to provide emergency relief including shelter, water and sanitation.