Indonesia launches urgent aid appeal for quake victims

The quake that hit just after dawn yesterday is the third major tremor to devastate Indonesia in 18 months.

The international community has rallied, offering emergency relief teams and supplies.

Britain has offered four million euros in aid while the EU is sending three million.

The United Nations Children’s Fund, Unicef, says it is sending emergency supplies including 2,000 tents, 9,000 tarpaulins and hygiene kits.

With more than 200,000 people believed to be homeless, there is an immediate need for food and shelter.

The worst devastation is in the town of Bantul, some 25 kilometres south of Yogyakarta, where officials believe more than 2,000 people have been killed.

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