Press Release

OFID extends US$600,000 grant for earthquake victims in Indonesia

51/2006 May 30, 2006, Vienna, Austria
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The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) has approved a grant of US$600,000 to provide relief supplies and support emergency operations for victims of a massive earthquake that hit Indonesia's densely-populated Java Island early Saturday morning. At least 5,400 people have perished, 20,000 are injured and an estimated 200,000 have been left homeless.

Measuring 6.2 on the Richter Scale, the quake produced hundreds of aftershocks, with the worst devastation occurring south of Yogyakarta city in the Bantul district, where three-quarters of the fatalities occurred. Tens of thousands are without shelter and are in urgent need of food, basic supplies and medical care.

The Indonesian government has declared a state of emergency and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has appealed to the international community for assistance. So far, pledges have arrived from governments, NGOs and international relief organizations, but more will be needed. Essential requirements include tents, plastic sheets, water, food and medical supplies.

The OFID's contribution to the aid effort will be channeled through the IFRC.