Singapore, 8 December 2016 - Singapore Red Cross (SRC) will commit S$50,000 for relief items to support the disaster response efforts for the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck near the province of the Pidie Jaya District in Aceh, Indonesia. The funds will support the search, rescue and retrieval efforts by the Indonesian Red Cross - Palang Merah Indonesia (PMI), which is working with local government agencies to provide immediate assistance to affected people.

A two-man team well-equipped with disaster management skills and experience, as well as expertise in water and sanitation, is also on standby for deployment to Aceh.

The funds will assist PMI in the provision of excavation and debris clearance equipment, management of injuries, safe water, medical and health services, food and non-food items and emergency shelter to communities affected by the earthquake. This includes the provision of blankets, tarpaulins, hygiene kits, food packs, as well as two 5,000 litre water tanks and water purification equipment.

Mr Benjamin William, Secretary-General/ CEO of the Singapore Red Cross said: “We are deeply saddened to see the devastation caused by the disaster. The Indonesian Red Cross is well-prepared to assist survivors and stabilise the situation on the ground with a strong network of staff and volunteers. Our priority, at the Singapore Red Cross, is to support our Indonesian colleagues in having sufficient funds and resources to rescue, evacuate, and care for as many people as possible. The Singapore Red Cross will remain in close contact with the Indonesian Red Cross to assess the extent of the damage and needs, and provide further support where needed.”

The Singapore Red Cross and Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) have been working closely on disaster response and recovery efforts since the Asian tsunami in 2004, particularly in areas such as medical aid, relief distribution and water and sanitation. Till date, there are still ongoing efforts in Indonesia, and specifically Aceh.

Note: The SRC is not launching a public fundraising appeal at this point. However, donations can be made at Red Cross House, 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486, during office hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm). Cheques can be made payable to ‘Singapore Red Cross Society’ and posted to the above address.

• Donations to overseas efforts are not tax-deductible.
• In the event that donations exceed the expenses incurred by Singapore Red Cross in this specific disaster response, any surplus or unspent money, after 3 years from the date of inception of the fund, can be used to prepare for and serve communities affected by other disasters or may be used to complement or to sustain projects undertaken by SRC in helping the vulnerable in areas affected by disasters.

About Singapore Red Cross

Singapore Red Cross is a homegrown humanitarian organisation, dedicated to relieving human suffering, protecting lives and dignity and responding to emergencies since 1949. We serve the vulnerable through our blood donor recruitment programme, home and day activity centre for the disabled, transport aid, food aid, and community first aid. We build capacity and resilience through our training academy, and volunteer and youth development. Beyond our shores, we mobilise and translate contributions from the donor community to relief and recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts, with the aim of helping communities affected by disasters. For more information, please see www.redcross.sg

Image courtesy of Palang Merah Indonesia.