Unfortunately, Indonesia is again suffering a natural disaster which has already claimed the lives of more than 2,500 people, leaving thousands more injured.
The 6.2 earthquake near the southern city of the island of Java, Jogjakarta (Yogyakarta) has created chaos and panic. Phones and electricity are out of operation, while the airport in Jogjakarta has suffered damages rendering it inoperative. Making rescue efforts and foreign aid operations even more difficult. Injured people have at times to walk to the nearest hospital to seek treatment, while the search for those trapped under collapsed debris is continuing with the most basic means available.
On top of everything else, the nearby active volcano of Mount Merapi is reportedly in heightened activity since the earthquake, although scientists agree the quake was tectonic and not caused by the volcano itself. However, the earthquake may have triggered a chain of events that could lead to the volcano erupting, as magma flow has already been reported to elevate.
The continuing aftershocks, and general chaos keeps people out of their homes, as most are afraid to enter buildings which might collapse in a next earthquake. I will be monitoring the situation and keeping you up to date with any developments. I’m also looking into which recognized aid and relief organizations may be moving into the area, as to list them for anyone interested in making a donation.
Jason S. Says:
May 27th, 2006 at 9:58 am
Hey,
I’m helping a friend out who is blogging about the events in Jogjakarta. He is a freelance reporter living in Jakarta. He is on his way back to the region to report on the disaster.
Check it out at -
http://mountmerapi.blogspot.com
Thanks,
j