Emergency response – Sulawesi Indonesia

On the evening of Friday, 28 September 2018, the cities of Palu and Donggala in Central Sulawesi were hit by a magnitude 7.4 earthquake. The earthquake triggered a tsunami along coastal areas in Palu and also in Donggala. As a result of the earthquake and tsunami, 1,203 people are already known to have died and more than 48,000 people have left their homes and are staying in displacement sites. These numbers are expected to rise as information continues to come in from the affected areas.

“Following the disaster, roads and bridges have been destroyed, communication lines are down, and landslides have left many areas inaccessible. As a result, it has been difficult to get information about the situation on the ground out, and to get aid and people in,” said UN Resident Coordinator in Indonesia, Ms. Anita Nirody. “With so many people having lost all their possessions and with many basic services down, there is also an urgent and immediate need for food, clean water, shelter, medical care and psychosocial support.”

We call for support and to raise emergency funds necessary to save as many lives as possible. 
To date, EXO Foundation is supporting a team of 4 Indonesian doctors specialists in emergency medical response to reach Sulawesi’s affected areas for a first support mission. They will also bring along more than $1,000 worth of medications & medical supplies which are greatly needed.
If you wish to donate any funds to support the emergency work being carried out across the nation, we recommend the following organizations. All of the below organizations already have programs in place and funds can be put to immediate use, every second counts:

• International Medical Corps, a global first-response team, has staff on the ground to provide emergency health care services, including trauma surgery and medicine. The group is mobilizing with the government and local agencies.
• Mercy Corps, a global humanitarian organization, has mobilized a team of emergency responders, including experts in disaster response. Essentials such as clean water, food and cash are most needed, the group says.
• World Vision has deployed a team for search and rescue, set up feeding centers for infants and children and will be distributing hygiene kits, blankets and emergency tarps.
• Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid group, is working with the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance, which overseas international disaster relief in Southeast Asia, on assessing health needs in the hard-hit areas. The group will target treatment of trauma injuries, waterborne diseases, respiratory issues and infections from puncture wounds and lacerations caused by rubble.
• Save the Children, an international children’s agency, has an emergency response team on the ground and is planning to set up child-friendly spaces in shelters for those who have lost their homes and will supply diapers and cribs.
• UNICEF, the United Nation’s Children’s Fund, is working with authorities to reunite separated children with families, provide clean water through mobile water treatment and support infant and child feeding.
• The Indonesian Red Cross, working with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, has search and rescue teams, medical workers, ambulances and water trucks on the ground. The agency is also providing blankets, tarps and sleeping mats.
• Oxfam, a confederation of independent charities targeting global poverty, is working with local partners to provide essential aid supplies such as ready-to-eat food, water purification kits and shelter packs.

 Alternatively, you may donate directly to EXO Foundation and we will forward the funds to one of these charities for you – please use this reference “SULAWESI 2018”:

Sources: Associated Press – USA Today – ReliefWeb