Oxfam’s local partners in Sulawesi are planning to reach 100,000 people with essential aid, but access and communications remains challenging, after a massive earthquake and tsunami hit towns on the Indonesian island on Friday night.
The international agency stands ready to deploy additional staff and resources to the area to support the Indonesian Government-led response.
As many as 2.4 million people could be affected by the earthquake and tsunami, according to estimates from Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency, in addition to the more than 830 confirmed fatalities.
Ancilla Bere, Oxfam’s Humanitarian Manager in Indonesia, said: “It is likely that thousands of people across a large area will need urgent help after this powerful earthquake and tsunami.
“Oxfam is planning a response to reach 100,000 people in Palu city and Donggala district. This is likely to focus on the immediate needs such as ready-to-eat meals, water purification kits and emergency shelters.”
“Access and communication remain a big concern with a key road cut off by a landslide and other infrastructure badly damaged. It is encouraging to hear that the Indonesian Armed Forces has mobilised military aircraft and helicopters to reach people in affected areas.”
Initial reports suggest that at least 16,732 people were forced from their homes and are scattered across 23 sites, although this number is likely to rise.
The main road linking the city of Palu to the rest of Central Sulawesi has been blocked by a landslide and the airport in Palu is operating at half capacity, making access difficult.
For interviews with Oxfam spokespeople in Indonesia or Australia, please contact Dylan Quinnell on 0450 668 350 or dylanq@oxfam.org.au
Donations to Oxfam Australia’s Indonesia Tsunami Emergency Appeal can be made at: www.oxfam.org.au/indonesiatsunami
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