IRISH RED CROSS CHAIRMAN , DAVID ANDREWS, APPEALS FOR ASIA EARTHQUAKE AID

The Chairman of the Irish Red Cross, David Andrews said it was essential that emergency specialists respond immediately to the devastation caused by the disaster.

“This was a lethal combination of an earthquake, centred near northern Indonesia and triggering a series of immense tidal waves in the region. I’m deeply concerned that the magnitude of this disaster may mean that human suffering will be very widespread indeed.

“The priority now is to ascertain exactly where help is needed most and get it there as quickly as we can,” said Mr Andrews.

He appealed for people to donate to the Irish Red Cross by credit card on CallSave 1850 50 70 70 or www.redcross.ie or by cheque or lodgement at any bank to the Irish Red Cross Asia Appeal, to Bank of Ireland account no: 1630 5917. Sort Code: 90 00 17.

The earthquake, measuring 8.9 on the Richter scale means it is the fifth strongest earthquake since 1910. Last year’s earthquake on the exact same day in Bam, Iran, measured 6.5 on the Richter scale. It killed at least 26,000 people and to this day 75,000 people are still homeless.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) - the umbrella group for all national Red Cross organisations such as the Irish Red Cross – has already released approximately Euro 750,00 this morning. Because of destroyed communications facilities, communicating with the affected areas of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and India is difficult, but it is envisaged that further details will emerge later today.

Ends.