Christians Respond as Indonesia Hit by Massive Earthquake

The search for survivors continues today in West Sulawesi, Indonesia. “[A] 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit West Sulawesi on January 15; 81 people die[d] and more than 1,000 houses [were] damaged,” Asian Access leader Juserdi* says.

The International Red Cross reports local and international first responders working side-by-side to comb through the rubble, searching for anyone who may be alive in affected areas. Multiple disasters, including landslides, flooding, and volcanic eruption, are stretching resources and manpower thin, making recovery efforts even harder.

West Sulawesi’s earthquake presents the most significant immediate challenge, Juserdi says, “because more than 10,000 people should be evacuated [as a result of] their house [being] damaged by the earthquake.”

Fear is tangible as survivors huddle in emergency housing, worrying about aftershocks and COVID-19. “The government office ma[d]e some temporary tent [shelters] and many people [are] crowded there,” Juserdi says.

Asian Access is mobilizing its network of pastors and church leaders throughout Indonesia to send tangible help.

“We are together trying to help the people in the earthquake location through the network with fellow servant[s] of God,” Juserdi explains. You can financially support their efforts by giving to the Where Most Needed fund.

We will “try to send money to buy some items that they need, and distribute [those items] to the people around the disaster location,” Juserdi continues.

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SOURCE: Mission Network News, Katey Hearth