Helping Survivors on Earthquake-Rattled Java

The death toll from a 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Indonesia, shattering rural homes and forcing terrified city residents into the street, stood at 64 and was likely to rise, government agencies said on September 3. Photo: REUTERS/Supri, courtesy of alertnet.org.

In the aftermath of a major earthquake that struck the Indonesian island of Java and killed at least 64 people has assessed needs and is delivering aid to survivors.

We're concentrating on many ways to help survivors, including health and nutrition efforts. On September 18, we distributed a week's supply of drinking water to 333 households in one of the most-devastated areas. We're continuing to focus on other affected areas where the clean water supply has been interrupted, placing families at risk for illness. Our teams have also reached out to microfinance institutions, which serve the needs of many small businesses in the earthquake zone, to see how we can help them rebuild and begin serving clients once again.

You can help us speed relief and other assistance to disaster survivors with a donation to our emergency response efforts.

The 7.3-magnitude earthquake, which devastated villages on Wednesday and was strongly felt in Indonesia’s capital of Jakarta, buried homes and injured at least 400 people. The toll continues to rise, and the needs of survivors are many.

Mercy Corps sent a three-person assessment team to the most-affected areas within 24 hours of the earthquake, and immediately began to work alongside international, local and governmental organizations in a coordinated response. You can read an on-the-ground account from one of our emergency responders here.

“There are reports of problems with drinking water and sanitation,” said Sean Granville-Ross, Mercy Corps Indonesia Country Director. “And those reports are also showing large numbers of houses and schools destroyed or damaged, so there will be a need for reconstruction.”

Mercy Corps Indonesia’s headquarters is located in Jakarta, and we work throughout many cities and towns on Java. Our staff — all of whom are accounted for — numbers more than 80 on the island.

Our disaster response in Indonesia has been widespread, quick and efficient: over the last several years, we’ve rushed lifesaving assistance to survivors of the Indian Ocean tsunami, severe flooding in Jakarta and two earthquakes that shook the region.

Today, we’re counting on you to help us mount another response for families who have lost everything. Please donate to speed relief now.