Oxfam to Reach 100,000 People with Basic Aid after Quake, Tsunami

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Local partners of Oxfam, an international confederation of 20 NGOs working with partners in over 90 countries to end the injustices that cause poverty, are assessing the situation after a massive earthquake and tsunami hit towns on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on Friday. The international agency stands ready to deploy additional staff and resources to the area to support the Indonesian Government-led response.

An additional 1.5 million people could be affected by the earthquake and tsunami, in addition to the 830 confirmed casualties. 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.

Read also: Anies Opens City Halls to Collect Aid for Quake-Hit Victims

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 provisionally 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 remains 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.”

TEMPO.CO