Silver Spring, Maryland--When a powerful earthquake set off a tsunami along the coast of southern Java on July 17, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) responded immediately to the disaster, sending a rapid assessment team within 36 hours to analyze the devastation.

The 7.7 earthquake, which occurred at 3:19 p.m. local time, extended along the southern coast of Java from Jakarta, in West Java to Surabaya, in East Java. Since the initial earthquake, there have been more than 20 aftershocks, some higher than five on the Richter scale.

Indonesia's Ministry of Health (MOH) preliminary report states that more than 368 people died, at least 136 are still missing, and an estimated 610 people were injured. Many coastal residents lost their most precious possessions when waves, reaching up to 16 feet, swept their homes, cars, and other valuables into the sea.

"Because of a lack of resources, many are sleeping outdoors in the surrounding hills," said Rueben Supit, country director for ADRA Indonesia.
"Emergency shelter, fresh water and sanitation for congested areas where displaced residents have congregated are of the utmost importance."

ADRA is currently providing emergency shelter, rope, and lightweight blankets, for more than 150 families. ADRA International, the agency's regional office in Asia, and ADRA's office in Indonesia are funding the project.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org