Jersey sends £350,000 to tsunami victims

Sunday 14 October 2018

Shelter, clean water and counselling for child victims of the recent Indonesian earthquakes will be made possible thanks to £350,000 donated from Jersey.

Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) made the funding commitment this week, which will be divided between the British Red Cross (£200,000), Care International (£75,000) and UNICEF (£75,000).

It comes in response to the earthquake and subsequent tsunami at the end of September that claimed the lives of nearly 2,000 people and devastated the homes of 75,000 in the central Sulawesi region of Indonesia. 

The funding will go towards assisting with the search and rescue efforts for other victims, as well as the provision of emergency supplies. Shelter and water will also be given to those in need, while the money will also help in delivering psychological support to affected youngsters. 

Indonesia will end rescue efforts for people trapped under the rubble after an earthquake and tsunami on Sulawesi, citing possible spread of disease. Foreign aid workers are being sent home.

At least 2,010 people are dead and 5,000 still missing. pic.twitter.com/1pUFoXq7Oj

— AJ+ (@ajplus) October 9, 2018

The three charities in receipt of the funds were chosen due to their expertise and knowledge of the country, giving them the ability to act quickly at times of crisis. 

International Development Minister and JOA Chair Deputy Carolyn Labey said the funds “will make a significant difference to thousands of individuals.”

“It is right that Jersey joins the international community in helping those worse affected by the recent disasters in Sulawesi and I am proud of the Island’s record in answering the call of those in need.”

Lead photo: Earthquake damage in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia (Dita Alangkara/AP)