December 5, 2018 | 2:10 p.m.
SULAWESI, INDONESIA — More than two months after an earthquake and tsunami struck Sulawesi, Indonesia, Convoy of Hope continues to serve the communities on the island. Recent reports state more than 2,100 people were killed by the event, and recovery will be a slow process.
In an effort to help residents get back on their feet and ease the burden of recovery, Convoy continues to provide meals and other aid to those affected. To date, we’ve distributed more than 174,000 meals to nearly 20,000 individuals. Solar lamps, water filters, tarps, and other relief items are also being distributed.
October 19, 2018 | 11:45 a.m.
PALU, INDONESIA — A week after ending the rescue phase, as many as 5,000 people are still missing in the Indonesian city of Palu. A magnitude 7.5 earthquake and devastating tsunami struck the city on September 28, and a Convoy of Hope team has been on the ground ever since, providing relief and building capacity for the daunting recovery ahead.
There are signs of hope and resiliency. Convoy has distributed more than 32,000 meals, 850 family food kits, 130 solar lamps, water filters, and tarps — in Palu and six other communities in western Sulawesi. Vast work remains. More than 2,100 people were killed, with many more bodies still trapped under the rubble in areas obliterated by liquefaction. Liquification occurs when saturated soils give way during an earthquake, causing almost complete destruction of the structures in those areas.
On Sunday, the government’s National Agency for Disaster Management said more than 67,600 houses and 2,700 schools were destroyed in central and western Sulawesi. Destruction to communications and power infrastructure, as well as a lack of fuel, has hampered medical support and aid distribution.
Convoy has worked with local organizations and churches to make provisions for water filtration, food relief, and hygiene product distribution, which includes menstrual health products and diapers. We will continue to provide resources to people in desperate need.
October 11, 2018 | 9 p.m.
PALU, INDONESIA — In recent days, our Disaster Services team in Indonesia has served in the major city of Palu, as well as numerous villages affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami. Aftershocks continue to pummel the area, but our team is still delivering food, water filtration systems, solar lights, and other relief items. In addition to the immediate relief provided, Convoy staff has been building capacity with local partners to stage ongoing relief efforts. More than 1,500 people have been served throughout Palu and the surrounding area, and many more will be helped in the coming days and weeks.
A terrifying phenomenon known as liquefaction took place in man villages as a result of the earthquake. Liquefaction occurs when the ground shakes violently and causes heavier objects, people, and even buildings to sink into the earth. Disaster Services team member Jeremy Williamson described one experience.
“I saw entire sections of a town buried in mud and others erased by the tsunami. Villagers who had little to begin with lost everything. I could hardly breathe one afternoon watching a woman try and keep her composure, but eventually succumb to tears. She was standing next to body bags and gazing out over absolute destruction.”
Through all of the heartbreak, there are glimmers of hope. Communities have joined together to help one another, and organizations like Convoy of Hope (and our partners) are on the ground providing help.
“Because of them [organizations and communities who are helping], I’ve seen more smiles than tears. More hope than despair. More love than loss. And the loss was tremendous,” said Williamson.
October 5, 2018 | 4:30 p.m.
PALU, INDONESIA — Convoy of Hope’s team has arrived in Indonesia. They have begun meeting with partners and purchasing more relief items, such as food including rice, beans, eggs, and more. The team expects to begin distributing relief supplies in affected areas of Palu by this Sunday.
A week after the 7.5 magnitude earthquake, families in Indonesia are still struggling to recover. Recent reports say more than 1,500 people have died and more than 70,000 people remain displaced. Your continued support is bringing hope to those most in need.
October 1, 2018 | 5 p.m.
More than 48,000 people are displaced and more than 800 are dead after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake and devastating tsunami hit Indonesia this weekend. Convoy of Hope is sending a team to bring help to those left without food, water, and much needed relief items.
The team will distribute water filters, solar lanterns, and camping gear, and will be purchasing further relief supplies in Indonesia. The team will meet with partners and assess the situation to further develop Convoy’s response strategy.
