2-Years-On Central Sulawesi Earthquake and Tsunami Emergency Response
28 September 2018 is a historic day that will not be forgotten by most of Indonesian especially those who live in Palu, Sigi and Donggala areas, Central Sulawesi Province. An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4,in Sirenja area, Donggala regency, devastated the three areas and caused a tsunami and severe liquefaction in various places. According to data from the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) as of February 5, 2019, it was stated that 172,635 people were displaced, 4,340 people died and were missing while tens of thousands of buildings were damaged.
In every disaster and emergency situation, children are the most vulnerable group. Therefore, Wahana Visi Indonesia (WVI) as an organization focusing on children responded to this disaster from the first day until the recovery stage in 2020. Emergency response can happen because of the support from partners including government, communities, donors, and sponsors. As of August 2020, 176,026 people have benefited from the Central Sulawesi Earthquake and Tsunami Emergency Response (CENTRE) including 80,583 children. Response interventions are carried out in various sectors including health, education, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene, child protection, and livelihood.
In the sector of water, sanitation and hygiene, 102,174 people finally have adequate access to these facilities. In addition, 87,845 people benefited from interventions in the livelihood and food sectors. Meanwhile 80,511 people have benefited from the temporary shelter and non-food assistance. In the education sector, 36,765 children have benefited from the intervention. In the health and nutrition sector, 22,850 people benefited from the support from health and nutrition. A total of 8,009 people benefited from child protection support and 1,350 people benefited from disaster risk reduction programs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the response continues. WVI through CENTRE distributed assistance including education to 1,729 people related to the prevention of COVID-19.
The entire disaster response for two years happened not because of WVI's own efforts but with the full support of partners and the never-ending enthusiasm of the community and children affected by the disaster to get up and recover. Thank you for all your prayers and support!
Written by Rena Tanjung, Communications Officer, Wahana Visi Indonesia
