Communities devastated by the earthquake that struck near Yogyakarta a year ago have been empowered to take the lead in their own
recovery, thanks to the support of the British Red Cross. Following the quake, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched an early recovery
programme, which has seen affected communities working together to manage the construction of their own low cost and quake-resilient shelters. More than 12,500 shelters have been completed with the
help of the Red Cross and more than 14,000 families assisted with tools to rebuild their homes.Bill Marsden, recovery coordinator, said: "The success of this programme shows how important it
is that communities drive their own recovery rather than have it imposed on them. "By ensuring that people are at the centre of their own recovery, we make sure that their real needs are being
met and that humanitarian assistance is effective and sustainable."AftermathThe magnitude 6.3 earthquake that struck near the Javanese city on 27 May 2006 claimed more than
5,000 lives and left 1.1 million people homeless.People were provided with emergency shelter thanks to the rapid distribution of tents and tarpaulins in the days and weeks immediately after
the disaster. However, a Red Cross survey found that many people were worried about the gap between these temporary solutions and the construction of new, permanent homes - which are being funded by
the Indonesian government. In response the Red Cross set up this innovative early recovery programme.The earthquake-resistant shelters have been made by members of the community from local
materials such as bamboo and rope and cost the equivalent of around £76 (USD $153). They can be constructed in around five days and should last up to six years or until government-funded
permanent homes are completed.In addition to the shelters, the Red Cross has also provided emergency relief, water and sanitation and medical assistance to almost 125,000 families across the
region. After the earthquake, the British Red Cross launched the Indonesia Earthquake Appeal, which has supported the IFRC's response.Read more about the Red Cross's response to the Yogyakarta earthquake.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
