American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom

Disaster Alert

 Indonesia – A second quake shook the Indonesian island of Sumatra, one day after the first devastating earthquake left more than 500 dead and thousands more trapped. Today’s quake, measuring 6.6 in magnitude, struck early this morning approximately 180 miles from the epicenter of the first tremor.

Today, the Indonesian Red Cross has dispatched nearly 300 volunteers, including 45 doctors to the quake zone to offer first aid services, shelter and other assistance for those in need. Thousands of relief supplies, such as tarps, blankets and sarongs, are also being moved from warehouses in Jakarta to Padang.

The American Red Cross has committed to provide an initial $100,000 to support the Indonesian Red Cross and stands ready to provide additional support, should it be requested. More than 300 employees work for the American Red Cross in Indonesia where they:

· support long-term recovery programs related to the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami

· help the local Red Cross and families prepare for future emergencies

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