A KEIGHLEY man is co-ordinating a charity’s relief efforts in tsunami-hit Indonesia.

Dr Aziz Ahmad Hafiz is spearheading the Humanity First operation from its London headquarters.

And he could be heading out to the disaster area to give on-the-ground assistance.

The charity currently has a 17-strong team – including doctors – in a base camp at Bulupontu village, south of Palu.

It is working closely with the authorities and other non-governmental organisations to carry out health assessments, provide treatment and prepare food packages for distribution.

Dr Hafiz and headquarters colleagues are in daily contact with the team, which is expected to be in the affected area for at least a month.

A 7.5-magnitude earthquake triggered the 20ft-high tsunami.

More than 1,500 people have died, but it is feared the death toll will rise further.

Thousands of homes have been destroyed, along with hotels, a shopping centre and hospitals, with many of those injured being treated in makeshift tents.

Kandali Achmad Lubis, for Humanity First, said: “Our volunteers helping with the disaster relief consist of local, regional and national personnel.

“Vital humanitarian assistance is being provided.”

The team includes doctors Raden Hari Muhsin and Anna Maria Suciaty, who are giving emergency medical treatment.

Humanity First, supported by the international Ahmadiyya Muslim community, is also raising funds and collecting relief items to help the tsunami victims.

People can donate at uk.humanityfirst.org/campaigns/disaster-relief-indonesia-tsunami-appeal-1.

An appeal has also been launched by the Skipton Building Society, and people can donate money at any branch – including the outlets in Cavendish Street, Keighley; Kirkgate at Silsden and Main Street, Cross Hills.

Claire Burke, the society’s corporate social responsibility manager, said: “Reports across the UK have highlighted the devastating scenes caused by the earthquake in Indonesia and it is incredibly difficult for us to comprehend just how distressing this reality must be to those affected.

“At Skipton Building Society, we think it’s important to support people affected by the tsunami by providing a place where anyone wishing to make a donation can do so.

“People can give their donation over the counter at our branches. Alternatively, call our Skipton Direct team on 0345 850 1722 and donate over the phone. Every pound will count when helping to rebuild the lives of those devastated by the disaster.”