South-east Asia Hit by Earthquakes, Cyclone: ADRA Responds

2nd October, 2009

Wahroonga, New South Wales — The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is responding to disasters that have devastated several south-east Asian countries in recent days, including earthquakes in Indonesia and Cyclone Ketsana in the Philippines.

Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos have all experienced severe disaster events in recent days. ADRA has offices in all affected countries. It is working with local partners in Indonesia and the Philippines to help meet the needs of affected communities.

“It’s terrible that one region can experience so much trauma in such a short amount of time, and ADRA is providing support to survivors in this region,” said ADRA Australia’s Director of Emergency Management, Chris Olafson. “ADRA has already commenced activities in some areas and continues to assess the situation in others, to provide an appropriate response to help these communities as they recover from such terrible disasters.”

In the past two days, two major earthquakes have struck Indonesia, shaking the cities and villages of western Sumatra. It is estimated that thousands have been killed, hundreds have been injured and thousands more displaced. ADRA has deployed personnel to the region to make assessments and support communities as they recover.

Communities in the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos are working to recover following the devastation of Cyclone Ketsana, which swept through the region early this week, causing torrential rainfall, record flooding and deadly landslides. Millions have been affected and the death toll has risen to almost 400 people. ADRA is distributing emergency food packs to evacuees in metropolitan Manila, Philippines. This intervention will provide for the nutritional needs of more than 1300 families in the some of the worst affected areas in that region.

ADRA Australia has opened an Asia Disasters Appeal and is calling for support for their response efforts in the region. Donations can be made to ADRA Australia by calling 1800 242 372 or visiting ADRA Australia's website. Donations to ADRA Australia’s Asia Disaster Appeal will be used to support the immediate disaster relief activities in the area. If the appeal raises more funds than are immediately needed, donations will be allocated to ADRA Australia’s ongoing emergency management activities.

ADRA Australia is a non-government organisation (NGO) engaging in development projects and emergency management activities for people in Australia, the Pacific, Asia and Africa. It is fully accredited with the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) and is signatory to the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Code of Conduct. The ADRA network has a presence in 125 countries. For more information about ADRA Australia, and to sign-up for free email updates visit ADRA Australia's website.

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