Indonesian President Thanks Turks for Donations
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono visited the earthquake-stricken Indonesian city of Yogyakarta and met with Turkish relief groups in the region.
Yudhoyono visited the tents of volunteer Turkish educators and entrepreneurs who went to Indonesia after last week's quake to thank them for their efforts.
President Yudhoyono told Turkish volunteers at the meal tent where hot meals have been distributed twice a day, "We know about the charity of Turkish people. You've opened many schools in our country. We have not forgotten your help in Ache. You are once again with us on such a difficult day. Your contributions please us enormously and we thank you for what you have done."
Meanwhile, the death toll in the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that jolted the island of Java last Saturday morning has risen to 5,846, according to the Indonesian Social Affairs Minister.
Inspections launched immediately after the quake have revealed thousands of buildings were destroyed, 20,000 people were injured, and 647,000 were left homeless.
Foreign aid has reached the region, but the scattered roads are delaying aid distribution to rural regions, sources report.
According to officials, since two thirds of the dead are from the town of Bantul in southern Yogyakarta, the city was chosen as the center for aid. (By Omer Umit Akbey, Bantul)
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