Situation Update
Mount Kelud Volcano in East Java, the most densely populated island and home to more than half of the country's 240 million people in Indonesia, erupted on 13 February 2014. The massive ash fall shrouded across four provinces, including East Java, Yogyakarta, Central Java and West Java, with thickness up to 70 cm. Four people were killed, while more than 200,000 residents from 35 villages in the 10-kilometer radius of Mount Kelud were evacuated. In the most affected areas in Kediri, Malang, Blitar and Batu District, over 47,000 people were displaced and settled at evacuation centres. The most pressing needs include food, safe water, face masks, shelter materials, blankets and sleeping mats, as well as health and medical assistance.
Red Cross Actions
Immediately after the volcanic eruption, the Indonesian Red Cross staff and volunteers were deployed to conduct evacuation, field assessment, first aid and relief distribution in the most affected Kediri, Malang, Blitar districts. Since 3 February, the following actions have been carried out:
- Distribution of 350,000 pieces of disposable masks for protection from volcanic ash;
- Assisted in the establishment of 12 evacuation centres hosting over 10,000 displaced people;
- Provision of blankets and hot meals to 12,000 displaced people in evacuation centres;
- Mobilized 20 water trucks to provide safe water;
- Mobilized trucks and ambulances to carry out evacuation and emergency health services;
- Provision of psychosocial support service to the affected people in evacuation centres;
- Successfully helped 2 missing people re-establish contact with their families;
- Deployed over 1,200 trained volunteers to carry out evacuation, assessment, relief distribution and health services.
Hong Kong Red Cross Actions
Hong Kong Red Cross has allocated more than HK$188,000 towards the emergency operation through the Indonesian Red Cross. The funding will support the procurement of 715,000 pieces of disposable masks, of which 365,000 pieces are for immediate distribution to the affected people in East Java, and the remaining for replenishment of stock in regional warehouses.
The Hong Kong Red Cross continues to monitor the situation in coordination with the International Red Cross. No appeal has been launched in Hong Kong at the moment.
General Enquiries
Please dial 2802-0016, fax to 2802-0017 or email to relief@redcross.org.hk.