A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck southern Indonesia on May 27, killing over 4,600 people, injuring thousands and leaving at least 100,000 homeless. The earthquake's epicenter was about 15 miles southwest of Yogyakarta near Bantul, a district on the southern coast of Java along the Indian Ocean. Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, is located 250 miles west of Yogyakarta.
Hundreds of aftershocks have been recorded in Yogyakarta and surrounding areas. The death toll is expected to rise as rescuers search the rubble of collapsed buildings. Heavy rains have fallen in the region making rescue efforts more challenging. The Indonesian government has declared a state of emergency.
Episcopal Relief and Development is in communication with partners in the affected region. ERD stands ready to respond and provide emergency assistance immediately as needs are identified.
Please pray for people affected by this disaster.
To make a donation and help people after disasters, please donate to the Emergency Relief Fund in the "Ways to Give" section online at http://www.er-d.org/ or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Checks can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, designated for the "Emergency Relief Fund", P.O. Box 12043, Newark, NJ, 07101.
Episcopal Relief and Development is the international relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church of the United States. An independent 501(c) (3) organization, ERD saves lives and builds hope in communities around the world. We provide emergency assistance in times of crisis and rebuild after disasters. We enable people to climb out of poverty by offering long-term solutions in the areas of food security and health care, including HIV/AIDS and malaria.
