AUSTRALIA AIDS QUAKE VICTIMS THROUGH NU, MUHAMMADIYAH

Denpasar, Bali, Oct 7 (ANTARA) - The Australian government has provided US250,000 worth of assistance for earthquake victims in West Sumatra through Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, two major Muslim organizations in Indonesia, according to an official report.

The assistance is part of the initial response package worth US$2.8 million for the victims, the Australian Embassy said in a press release received by Antara here on Wednesday.

"Both these organizations will provide some support to thousands of victims, including medical teams, emergency schools, school books and trauma counseling for survivors of the earthquake," the statement quoted the Australian Ambassador Bill Farmer as saying.

Australia and Indonesia work together in partnership to provide appropriate assistance as quickly as possible, the envoy said, adding that this country is committed to supporting those who suffer from earthquakes.

The Australia's aid through the two largest civil society organizations in Indonesia was aimed to help provide the vital needs of earthquake victims.

According to him, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd signed a separate memorandum of understanding with the two organizations which pledged last year to work in partnership to achieve a prosperous Indonesia, democratic and secure.

Currently, the envoy said, the Australian search and rescue personnel, health specialists and military engineering were working in Padang and the relief materials have arrived in West Sumatra.

"Australia has been providing tents, water, blankets and other household needs, and the officials continue to work with the Indonesian government to provide additional assistance," he said.

As of Wednesday morning, one week after the magnitude-7.6 earthquake that struck Padang city and surroundings, West Sumatra Province, the death toll reached 704.

Data of the Disaster Mitigation Coordination Unit (Satkorlak) of the West Sumatra governor's office on Wednesday showed the quake which was centered 78 km northwest of Padang, the capital of West Sumatra province, at a depth of 71 km in the seabed also caused major damage to 101,653 houses, moderate damage to 48,966 houses, and minor damage to 49,026 houses.