JAKARTA – A leading international Islamic charity has launched an appeal to help Indonesians after a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake and tsunami struck Sulawesi on September 28, killing over 800 people and destroying thousands of homes.
“Islamic Relief Indonesia is on the ground providing vital humanitarian aid. Your generous donations will support these efforts,” according to their site.
“Indonesia’s population is vulnerable to natural disasters because the country lies on volcanic fault lines and is therefore susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis as well as flooding and drought.”
Excess funds will be used for long-term relief in the area, Islamic Relief USA said.
Islamic Relief USA, an organization aiming to eradicate poverty, has a fund specifically for earthquake relief in Indonesia. Donate to the Islamic Relief USA’s effort here.
Islamic Relief UK has also launched another appeal.
“It is reported that more than 380 people have been confirmed dead, and these numbers are sadly expected to increase when new information becomes available, as some areas are still inaccessible. It is estimated that over 750,000 people are exposed to the effects of the earthquake,” they wrote.
“Families have lost everything. Thousands of homes have collapsed and power and communication lines are down. In the aftermath of the disaster, rescue efforts have begun though access is a major challenge.”
Muslim Helping Hands, another charity based in the UK, urged people for donations to help those affected by the disaster.
There is an urgent need for essentials such as food. Muslim Hands teams have established a community kitchen serving victims with daily cooked food including rice, beef and vegetables,” the charity said on its website.
The Indonesian Red Cross, or Palang Merah Indonesia (PMI), along with International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, are already on scene, Bustle reported.
The organization sent 27 volunteers from Donggala and 20 volunteers from Luwu to help with search and rescue as well as assistant efforts, according to PMI memo posted online on Friday.
To help the Indonesian Red Cross relief efforts, you can donate online.
Tsunamis in the 21st Century:
On Dec 26, 2004, a 9.1-magnitude “megathrust” earthquake hit Aceh on the northern tip of Sumatra island in Indonesia, causing a tsunami that reached coastal areas as far away as Somalia.
On Mar 11, 2011, Japan was struck by an enormous 9.0-magnitude earthquake, unleashing a towering tsunami that levelled communities along the country’s northeastern coast.
The most powerful earthquake ever recorded – at magnitude 9.5 – devastated Chile in May 1960 and the resulting tsunami tore around the world.