UN announces $15 million aid for Indonesia

Geneva, Oct 3 : The UN Central Emergency Response Fund has announced that it would allocate $15 million to help the victims, especially women and girls, of the devastating earthquake and tsunami that rocked Indonesia's Sulawesi island last week.

The twin disasters claimed over 1,400 lives, caused widespread damage by destroying homes, buildings and infrastructure. According to Indonesian officials, an estimated 2.4 million people were affected by the tragedy. 

The number of dead was expected to rise amid ongoing rescue operations.

UN Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock said that the funds would meet the most urgent needs of women and girls because "we know from experience round the world (they) are often particularly vulnerable in circumstances like this", Efe news reported.

The earthquake and tsunami also severely damaged primary health care centres and hospitals.

Lowcock added that the UN sent its staff to the devastated areas to help the government identify priorities in logistics, potable water supply, basic sanitation, medical care, coordination and management of camps for the displaced.