The Canadian Red Cross helps people affected by emergencies and disasters—situations ranging from a house fire to a flood that disrupts an entire region of the country. Following a disaster, the Red Cross works with governments and other humanitarian organizations to provide for people's basic needs—food, clothing, shelter, first aid, emotional support and family reunification. The specific services offered are based on the community's needs and the role that their Red Cross has in the local disaster response plan.

An earthquake in Indonesia measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale hit the city of Yogyakarta , 400 kilometers east of Jakarta on May 27, 2006. Over 6,000 people are reported dead and over 50,000 people suffered injuries. The number of damaged houses now stands at 174,000, including 48,000 that were totally destroyed, 80,000 that were heavily damaged, and 46,000 that were partially damaged by the earthquake.

Canadian Red Cross workers continue to be active in the affected area as part of a group of over 150 representatives from 18 Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies from around the world. They are supporting the work of over 500 aid workers and volunteers from the Indonesian Red Cross.