Indonesia: CAFOD helps 500 families after earthquake and tsunami

'Floating' mosque in Palu

Source: CAFOD

Families in Indonesia's Central Sulawesi Province are moving into new homes - built by local communities trained in earthquake-resilient techniques - after a massive earthquake and tsunami on 28 September 2018 destroyed thousands of homes and killed more than 4000 people.

"CAFOD is delighted to have already helped more than 500 families move into safe, new homes so soon after the devastating earthquake and tsunami struck Indonesia last September" said Yael Eshel, CAFOD's Emergency Response Officer for Indonesia. "Having seen their homes collapse or be swept away by 20-foot-high waves - and then spend months living in cramped and over-heated temporary accommodation - families can now look forward to a brighter future." Hundreds more homes will be built over the coming year.

Catholics in England and Wales donated more than £500,000 to CAFOD's Indonesia Earthquake and Tsunami Appeal. Alongside donations made to the Disasters Emergencies Committee (DEC) - of which CAFOD is a member - this meant local aid experts could get straight to work providing life-saving aid and rebuilding hundreds of earthquake-resilient new homes.

Immediately following the disaster, CAFOD supported over 10,000 people with vital humanitarian aid, including tarpaulins and ropes for emergency shelters, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, blankets, cooking essentials and clean water - to cover basic needs and stop the spread of disease. More than 1000 people have been trained in 'Building Back Safer' techniques and on how to prepare for future disasters. In addition, 15,000 people have been helped with cash assistance - vital for those needing to re-build their businesses or find new sources of income.

"Despite the terrifying experiences people lived through, I have heard so many stories of strength and community solidarity - friends and family coming together to support those who were left homeless and lost all their belongings in the disaster," says Yael Eshel.

Link: www.cafod.org.uk