Emergency systems implemented to secure safety in tsunami regions

11/03/2011 12:25:00

Update Statement 2.30pm

VSO volunteers across Indonesia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea have been confirmed safe after reports of small tsunamis crossing some coastal areas.

VSO has more than 170 volunteers and employees, including 22 UK volunteers, in the areas that have been issued with tsunami warnings in Asia, the Pacific and Latin America.

Statement 12.15pm

VSO is making contact with more than 170 volunteers and employees, including 22 UK volunteers, in the areas issued with a tsunami warning in Asia, the Pacific and Latin America.

VSO has volunteers and staff in Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu Peru and Guatemala and our security response measures are being implemented.

So far almost all our staff and volunteers have been accounted for and have either moved to higher ground or are not in areas affected by tsunami warnings.

VSO UK Director Brian Rockliffe said:

“The security of our staff and volunteers is the top priority for VSO and we have an emergency response system that we have implemented. We are pleased that all staff and international volunteers in Indonesia, Philippines and Papua New Guinea have been accounted for. We also work with a large network of local volunteers and our thoughts are with them at the moment.”

Ends

Media contact: Krista Eleftheriou, 02087807343 or 07738982122.

Editor's notes

VSO is an international development charity that works through volunteers. Since 1958 more than 44,000 volunteers have worked in more than 120 countries. Today there are over 1600 international volunteers working in 42 countries around the world.