The Christmas Bowl program of Christian World Service/National Council of Churches in Australia has

extended its South Asia Tsunami Appeal to provide urgent assistance to the people of Nias and

Simeuleu suffering from the effects of the earthquake which struck off the west coast of Indonesia on

29 March.

International partner, Action by Churches Together, which set up a coordinating office in Jakarta

following the 26 December Tsunami, reported that more than 1 000 people have died and many more

are missing, trapped under ruined buildings.

An initial allocation of US$ 500 000 for relief efforts has been approved and emergency supplies of

medical equipment, food, tents, bathing kits, water purification unit and generators have been sent by

helicopter and boats. The airstrip at Nias was destroyed and a wide road is being used as a place for

small aircraft to land.

Army, police and survivors are trying to evacuate people from under the ruins of building and houses

– a very difficult process because of the lack of heavy lifting equipment.

Electricity and telephones were totally out and while some mobile phones could be used they could

not be re-charged. Travelling on roads is difficult because of the damage and gasoline is scarce.

Two staff members of Church World Service Indonesia have gone to Nias to assess the needs of

people still traumatized by the earthquake-triggered tsunami last December.