Emergency relief after tsunami in Indonesia

Out of nowhere, a devastating earthquake shook the Indonesian island of Sulawesi in September this year. Thousands of people died or lost everything in the quake or the following tsunami. The nature catastrophes destroyed houses, roads and bridges. The electricity and water supply system completely broke down. Aktion Deutschland Hilft provided fast and efficient humanitarian aid to those affected.

Even month after the nature disaster, life has still not returned to normal. The island’s infrastructure is not yet fully restored. Many people, especially children, deeply suffer from the traumatic experience of the disaster. Our member organizations are on site to support the people in their need.

 14-year old Matsa survived the tsunami deeply traumatized. "When I was dragged along by the mighty waves, I thought I was going to die. I cannot remember exactly what happened. Everything around me was wet and dark. There was rubble and my whole body hurt. ", she says. Aid workers of World Vision support her and other traumatized children. In their centers, the children can play. Social workers offer group discussion to help the children to process the terrible events and the loss of friends and family members.

Due to the lack of fresh drinking water, water borne diseases can quickly spread after a nature catastrophe. "I had to drink the water from the gutter. It smelled rotten and did not taste at all. I had a stomach ache", six-year-old Awan tells us. World Vision quickly provided clean drinking water and installed fountains and water filter systems. Awan and many other people are very thankful for the fresh drinking water and other relief supplies they received.

With you donation, our member organization can provide help on the island of Sulawesi. Thank you for making these and other aid measures possible.