Earthquakes in Indonesia

On May 27, 2006, an earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck the Indonesian island of Java, claiming the lives of more than 5,000 people and injuring some 3,000 more.  Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, has been victim to far too many natural disasters.  The 2006 earthquake only weakened an already fragile infrastructure: massive structural damage to buildings in Yogyakarta, where tremors were felt most strongly, badly damaged roads and severely strained water systems and electricity.  Everywhere people lay trapped under homes, offices and stores.  Amidst this chaos came heavy storms and rain, and the threat of an erupting volcano just 40 km north of Yogyakarta. 

The Western Union Foundation responded to this crisis with a direct grant of $150,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent.  Further, individuals who wanted to contribute toward this effort were allowed to send money using Western Union services without fees.  Funds helped provide immediate relief for some 200,000 people in Yogyakarta and surrounding areas.  Emergency health care, water and sanitation, temporary shelter, food and basic supplies such as hygiene kits, and blankets were offered, as was psychological and social support, to help residents grasp the trauma and prepare to rebuild their lives.