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Order of Malta Australia

News

Indonesia Tsunami: Malteser International readies response after tsunami in Sunda Strait

24/12/2018 


On Saturday night, December 22, a tsunami struck the islands of Java and Sumatra along Indonesia’s Sunda Strait. The high waves were apparently caused by underwater landslides triggered by volcanic activity on the island of Anak Krakatau. So far, more than 220 people have been killed with over 700 injured, and reports from Indonesian authorities suggest the death toll will rise.

“People affected are now in need of rapid assistance,” says Cordula Wasser, Head of the Asia Department at Malteser International. “Our local partners are on the ground and are assessing the situation. We are ready to act and will be allocating €50,000 for the first emergency measures.”

The latest tsunami comes nearly three months after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake and tsunami struck the Indonesian island of Sulawesi in late September. More than 2000 people lost their lives in that disaster. Malteser International, through its partner organization, was able to mobilize quickly and provide water and hygiene items for those affected, while supporting the reconstruction of health facilities.

Since the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Malteser International has been providing emergency relief in the aftermath of natural disasters in Indonesia.

Malteser International is the humanitarian relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta. With over 100 projects annually in some 25 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, Malteser International has been standing by those affected by poverty, disease, conflict and disaster, helping them lead a healthy life with dignity – without distinction of religion, race or political persuasion. Christian values and the humanitarian principles build the foundation of its work. For more information: www.malteser-international.org and www.orderofmalta.int

The Australian Association

The Australian Association, formed in 1974, currently has in excess of 300 members and aspirant members across every State and Territory of Australia. We also have ongoing and strong links with the Order’s National Associations throughout the Asia Pacific Region including in Singapore and the Philippines and with members of the Order in New Zealand, Hong Kong SAR, Thailand and Korea. The Order of Malta is committed to serving Our Lords the Poor and Sick worldwide and has done so for over 900 years. This website shares with you the history, mission and current activities of the Order of Malta in Australia, and provides links to the work of the Order world-wide.