Aceh, Indonesia, January 11, 2007 - In response to the flash floods and mudslides that ravaged several districts in the tsunami-affected region of Aceh, Indonesia, the American Red Cross has been supporting the relief efforts of the Indonesian Red Cross (known locally as Pelang Merah Indonesia or PMI). To date, the American Red Cross has provided more than US $49,000 to support PMI's response and emergency assistance to more than 26,000 individuals in Aceh Utara and Aceh Timur districts.
On January 3, 2007, the American Red Cross, in partnership with PMI, began to distribute emergency food and water, with families receiving cartons of fortified noodles and clean drinking water.
"We provided them with the immediate relief they would need to survive until they could resume their normal activities," said M.A. Halim, a disaster preparedness delegate in Indonesia for the American Red Cross, who is assisting with the relief effort.
The American Red Cross has been in Aceh since January 2005 when it began responding to the Indian Ocean tsunami. This has enabled the American Red Cross and its partners to respond quickly to this new emergency. Part of the tsunami recovery activities include meeting urgent immediate needs that arise in tsunami-affected areas. The American Red Cross has developed a fund for situations when a rapid response is required.
"This flexibility allows the American Red Cross to better serve those affected by the tsunami as well as new and emerging needs," said Halim.
As the flood waters recede, the American Red Cross will remain on the ground to ensure needs of the affected people are met. In addition, the American Red Cross will continue to assist tsunami survivors and their communities as part of its long-term tsunami recovery plans.
For more information regarding the American Red Cross Tsunami Recovery Program, see: www.redcross.org/tsunami.
You can help those affected by countless crises around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the International Response Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.
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