1000s dead in Java earthquake

A huge earthquake has killed thousands on the island of Java in Indonesia. At least 3,500 died when the quake, measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale, flattened mud brick housing in poor communities near the ancient city of Yogyakarta early in the morning. Britain offered immediate aid with the Foreign Office passing an offer of help directly to the Indonesian government in Jakarta as well as through its embassy in London. A spokesman said Britain was 'standing ready' to help with both search and rescue teams and officials capable of co-ordinating efforts on the ground poised to travel to the quake zone. A spokesman said that a small team of officials from the British Embassy in Jakarta set off for the affected area immediately and was assessing the situation. Yogyakarta is near Mount Merapi, a volcano that has been on top alert for a major eruption this month. However it the quake was not caused by the volcano. Thousands of residents are taking refuge in Yogyakarta's main square while thousands of others were sheltering at compounds of scores of mosques, churches and hospitals throughout the region. Yogyakarta's royal palaces and the nearby Borobudur temple complex are prime attractions for domestic and foreign tourists, and many foreigners study the Indonesian language at schools in the city which offer intensive courses. Indonesia sits on the Asia-Pacific's so-called 'Ring of Fire' marked by heavy volcanic and tectonic activity. Anyone wishing to make a donation to help victims of the earthquake can call freephone 0800 526848 or visit www.plan-international.org

ITN | May 27, 2006

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