Norway provides NOK 6 million to the Indonesian Red Cross

Foreign Minister Støre announced during his visit to Indonesia that Norway will contribute NOK 6 million to emergency relief efforts in Indonesia.

“The tsunami that struck parts of West Sumatra on 25 October and the Mount Merapi eruptions have led to a great need for humanitarian assistance. Norway is therefore contributing NOK 6 million, which is being channelled through the Norwegian Red Cross to its Indonesian sister organisation,” said Foreign Minister Støre.

According to preliminary figures, around 500 people have been killed, 100 are still missing and more than 400 have been injured in the recent natural disasters in Indonesia. More than 70 000 have lost everything they owned.

Together with local and central government authorities, the Indonesian Red Cross is an important part of the disaster response system in Indonesia and is participating actively in the current rescue efforts, providing both personnel and equipment. The Norwegian funds will be used to support the emergency relief efforts and improve the disaster response system.