1. Home
  2. \
  3. News
  4. \
  5. Media Releases
  6. \
  7. Caritas network responds to deadly West Sulawesi earthquake

18 JAN 21

Caritas network responds to deadly West Sulawesi earthquake

Share this Blog:

Caritas Australia 2021 01 14 Mamuju, Indonesia M6.2 Earthquake Shakemap (USGS)

Caritas Australia’s partners on the ground in Indonesia are responding to the immediate needs of over 15,000 people displaced by twin earthquakes which have rocked the island of Sulawesi.

Over 73 people have been killed and more than 826 injured after West Sulawesi was hit by a magnitude 5.9 earthquake on Thursday January 14, followed by a magnitude 6.2 earthquake on Friday, January 15.

The two earthquakes caused significant destruction, with over 300 houses and several public facilities damaged, including two hospitals. Road access and communications have been cut off in Mamuju district.

The challenges of responding to the earthquake have been magnified by COVID-19, with Indonesia’s   hospital system already under strain. On Friday when the second earthquake hit, Indonesia reported over 12,000 new infections.

Families across the region are in urgent need of food, clean water, clothing, hygiene kits, blankets and mats, medical attention, personal protective equipment (PPE) and shelter. 

Caritas Australia is supporting church and NGO partners on the ground with initial funds to support assessments and to ensure that communities have shelter, food and clean water.  

Caritas Australia is accepting donations through its Asia Emergency Appeal to provide support for emergencies like the earthquake in West Sulawesi. Visit caritas.org.au or call 1800 024 413 toll free to provide much needed support to some of our closest neighbours.  

Caritas Australia is a member of one of the world’s largest humanitarian networks, with 162 agencies operating in 200 countries and territories. 

Media contact: Jessica Stone on 0490 684 867 / jessica.stone@caritas.org.au or caritasmedia@caritas.org.au.

Related Articles

Dignity Kits Distribution By CAFOD In Sudan. Photo CAFOD

The Australian government has announced a 29-million-dollar funding package to help deliver healthcare, food, and clean water amid ongoing humanitarian crises in the Horn of Africa.  

Read More
AU_Philanthropy_Parliament of NSW 2024 event

Caritas Australia gathered supporters and ministers together at NSW Parliament House this week to engage in action in the face of increasingly intense and complex global challenges. 

Read More
Bangladesh HET Aftermath Of The May 2024 Fire Photo Credit Caritas Bangladesh

This week Caritas Australia is shining a light on the plight of the one million people in the world’s largest refugee camp, Kutupalong in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

Read More
Gaza HET A Caritas Worker Walks Through The Destruction In Gaza Photo Credit Caritas Jerusalem

Caritas Australia has welcomed a $10m aid package to support the World Food Programme in Gaza and echoed its calls for a ceasefire.

Read More

What can we help you with?

Speak with us

Call our Supporter Services team for assistance. Our lines are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm AEST.

1800 024 413

Contact Caritas Australia

Send us an enquiry and we’ll be in touch. We’d love to hear from you!

Contact Us

Login to Supporter Hub

Manage your payments, personal information, preferences and more online.

Login

Donate now to provide support where it's most needed today

Donate Now