Catholic Relief Services responds to Indonesian earthquake

Social justice news
June 2006

Americans still oppose stem cell research that destroys human embryos
Bush praises Catholic Charities’ work in helping immigrants
Caritas Australia assesses East Timor turmoil
Catholic agency says more must be done to fight AIDS
Catholic Relief Services responds to Indonesian earthquake
Help has not reached most devastated area after Java quake
Holy Land: UN and NGOs increase aid appeal
Small arms for the poor
U.S. bishops say public service TV still needs federal mandate
U.S. peace delegation returns from Iran

CRS responds to Indonesian earthquake
Baltimore—Catholic Relief Services (CRS) emergency response teams continue to provide relief materials to the victims of Saturday’s devastating magnitude 6.3 earthquake in Indonesia. The quake, which struck in the early morning close to the former Javanese royal capital of Yogyakarta, has so far killed 5,136 people, wounded nearly 6,504 and left 100,000 homeless. It is estimated that it may take up to two years for those affected to fully recover.

“Our prayers remain with the victims of this horrific disaster. We know that our colleagues at CRS and throughout the Caritas network are doing their utmost to help communities recovery,” said Rev. Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA.

CRS, along with the Caritas network and other Catholic agencies, is part of a $1.2 million Catholic response and is working closely with all UN and international agencies on the ground. CRS is also working with three local partners on the ground, each of which is responsible for carrying out assessments in specific geographic locations. The organization is accepting donations to support its recovery efforts. For more information on how to help, visit www.crs.org .

In times of disaster, the U.S. Catholic community is there to help. When a disaster strikes within the United States, recovery work is provided by local Catholic Charities agencies in the impacted communities. International relief efforts are provided by Catholic Relief Services.

CRS' short-term response includes the procurement and distribution of shelter materials, blankets, hygiene kits, clothes, kitchen sets and family kits to 5,000 beneficiaries. CRS has also provided funds for medical supplies to a local non-governmental organization that is providing medical attention to 10,000 people in Pundong and shelter to 1,800 people. CRS is focusing its interventions in 3 sub-districts within the most affected areas: Kretek and Pundong in the district of Bantul, and Prambanan in the district of Jogjakarta.

CRS will focus its medium and longer-term relief operations on cash for work programs and the establishment of semi-permanent and permanent shelters for those left homeless.

Back to page top