SANTA BARBARA, CA (August 8, 2007) In response to the 7.5 magnitude earthquake 20 miles off the coast of Java, Indonesia, Direct Relief International has contacted its healthcare outreach partners in the region to evaluate what medical resources may be needed.

Indonesian social-aid organization Muhammadiyah, Direct Relief's largest in-country partner, is gathering needs assessments from its network of local clinics throughout the island. Muhammadiyah has a total network of 71 clinics on the island. Thus far, there have been no reports of significant damage or need for medical aid.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the earthquake was too deep underground to trigger a tsunami, which would have potentially been more devastating than the earthquake itself.

Located along the "Ring of Fire" plate boundary, the island of Java is prone to frequent earthquakes. On July 17 of last year, Java was struck by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake. The tremor and ensuing tsunami, less than two years after the historic 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, caused over 660 fatalities and USD $160 million in damage. Direct Relief responded to the incident with support of USD $80,533 to the IBU Foundation, Australian Aid International, and Yayasan IDEP to provide medicines, medical equipment, and assistance to displaced persons.

About Direct Relief International Founded in 1948, Direct Relief International is a Santa Barbara, California-based nonprofit organization focused on improving the quality of life by bringing critically needed medicines and supplies to local healthcare providers worldwide. In 2006, Direct Relief provided over $200 million in direct aid through medical material assistance and targeted cash grants to more than 300 healthcare facilities and organizations in 56 countries, providing 23.8 million courses of treatment. Direct Relief is one of two charities ranked by Forbes that has received a perfect fundraising efficiency score for five consecutive years.