THE earthquake that took place in Indonesia last Saturday, May 27, and the large number of people affected has had a tremendous impact in Cuba, a nation which had demonstrated exceptional sensitivity in similar cases by rapidly coming to the aid of poor nations, as was demonstrated following the tragedy experienced by Pakistan, when the Caribbean island sent medical brigades to assist.

The provisional number of deaths caused by the earthquake – measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale – which took place in the southern region of the island of Java last Saturday, has risen to 5,162 according to preliminary figures. Various press sources also confirm that the event has left some 200,000 people homeless. Current figures compiled by rescue teams this Monday in this Javanese city confirm that some 3,490 people have died in the Yogyakarta region and a further 1,672 lost their lives in the neighboring district of Klaten in central Java, according to EFE. The city most affected by the quake is Bantul, south of Yogyakarta and some 450 kilometers southeast of the Indonesian capital.

Drinking water, tents and medical supplies are the principal necessities in the affected areas, where numerous international aid organizations are starting work today, although without the swiftness that is necessary after such an event.

The source also confirmed that hospitals have been deluged and there is a growing need for doctors and auxiliary staff.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has temporarily moved his office to Yogyadarta to direct rescue and rehabilitation operations, according to the Antara news agency.

Local authorities are hoping that the international community will react in the same way it did following the tsunami on December 26, 2004 which left some 226,408 people dead, according to UN figures.

Meanwhile, German news agency DPA reported that hospital personnel are concerned over possible outbreaks of infectious diseases, in view of the fact that for the third consecutive day, conditions at the centers are extremely unsanitary, with seriously ill patients lying in corridors and parking lots.

Doctors are complaining of a lack of supplies and are hoping that the medicines and equipment promised by organizations such as the Red Cross will arrive soon.