Emergency Response: Sulawesi's Earthquake

Dear our respected donors,

I am reaching you today to updates our response on the Sulawaesi's earthquake that occured in January 15th, 2021. 

An earthquake struck Majene Regency in the province of West Sulawesi, on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi on 15 January 2021, at 02:28 WITA (18:28 UTC), with a moment magnitude of 6.2. This earthquake was felt as far away as Makassar, the capital of South Sulawesi, and Palu in Central Sulawesi. Strong shaking was reported in Majene and the provincial capital Mamuju for at least 5-7 seconds. It was preceded by a foreshock measuring 5.7 magnitude a few hours earlier.

Widespread damage was reported throughout 4 out of 5 regencies in the province. More than 6,000 structures were damaged or destroyed in region. Officials estimated that the earthquake caused damages amounting to Rp829.1 billion rupiah.At least 105 people were confirmed dead and more than 3,300 were injured, while thousands of residents were displaced due to the quake. An aftershock struck on 3 February 2021, killing a man and causing further damage.

Severe damage was reported across Majene Regency and in several areas in Mamuju Regency. West Sulawesi's Gubernatorial Building, which was located in West Sulawesi's capital Mamuju, was destroyed in the earthquake. Two people were reportedly trapped beneath the ruins.Parts of Hotel Maleo in Mamuju also reportedly collapsed. Meanwhile, a section of Mirta Manakarra Hospital, a main hospital in Majene also collapsed, trapping at least 6 people inside. Mamuju's main hospital also reportedly suffered extensive damage, with 50% of its structure damaged by the earthquake. Hundreds of patients had to be treated outside of the hospital due to fear of collapse.

The Mamuju penitentiary facility suffered damage as well, injuring at least 3 people. The perimeter fence of the penitentiary was reportedly destroyed. At least one Community Health Centre (Puskesmas) was destroyed in the earthquake. A military district office in Malunda was also severely damaged. At least two main hospitals in West Sulawesi were destroyed in the earthquake, while three hospitals remain operational. Further assessment revealed that three Community Health Centres had been destroyed by the earthquake.

The Ministry of Education reported that at least 15 schools were either damaged or destroyed in the earthquake, most of which were in Majene. At least one elementary school and two high schools in Majene were destroyed while the others suffered damage ranging from slight to heavy. In Mamuju, at least six schools were damaged by the earthquake. An updated assessment revealed that at least 27 schools in Mamuju, Majene, and Mamasa had been damaged. Seven schools and preschools were destroyed in the earthquake, while the other 20 suffered slight to moderate damage. At least 3 schools in Mamasa Regency were damaged due to the earthquake. The number of damaged schools later rose to 103 as more reports came from Mamuju, Majene, Mamasa and even in Polewali Mandar. At least 37 schools were heavily damaged by the quake, including 2 schools in Polewali Mandar Regency.

A preliminary assessment revealed that the quake caused damage amounting to more than Rp821.9 billion rupiah. Damage in Majene Regency was estimated to be as high as Rp449.8 billion rupiah while in Mamuju, damages of Rp379.3 billion rupiah were inflicted. The assessment stated that more than 7,000 homes, 21 health facilities and numerous structures including a supermarket, a harbour and public offices were damaged or destroyed by the quake.

The ACT teams have distributed the food emergency aid for 320 families who temporary stay at turpulin tent at: (1) Camp 1, Village Tadui, Sub-District Mamuju, District Mamuju 60 packages; (2) Camp 2 Village Tadui Sub-District Mamuju District Mamuju 50 packages; (3) Camp 3 Village Binanga Sub-District  Mamuju District Mamuju 110 packages; (4) Camp 4 Village Rangas, Sub-Distrct Simboro District Mamuju100 packages. 

One of beneficairies expressed his happiness  and said that thousand thank to donors who support him and others at this difficult condition and he and other survivors still unable to start the daily life just before the earthquake. Your generousity is so meaningful for the survivors.