Over 198,000 Indonesian families still in need of shelter

As emergency response activities come to a close in Indonesia, humanitarian organizations labor to meet immediate needs of the displaced and to address longer-term reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

Three weeks have passed since two devastating earthquakes hit Indonesia causing the deaths of over 1,000 people and the destruction of hundreds of thousands of homes, businesses and schools.

Although the Government of Indonesia, Plan and other humanitarian aid organizations continue to provide post-disaster support to children and families, access to remote areas remains hampered by downed bridges and collapsed roads. Top priorities for the over 198,000 families who lost their homes are shelter and food, especially with the quickly approaching rainy season.

In the rural areas where Plan works, assessments reveal that the earthquakes totally destroyed an estimated 80% of homes and rendered 60% of primary school buildings unsafe for use.

Plan’s response to the earthquakes in Indonesia

Plan has launched an initial 6-month immediate relief program focusing on emergency shelter; non-food items; health; water, sanitation and hygiene; child protection; disaster risk reduction; and education.

Following this immediate relief program will be an 18-month rehabilitation and reconstruction program covering education, health, and disaster risk reduction. The expected total budget for the whole operation (24 months), including operational costs, is estimated at approximately USD 3.2 million. Both programs will be conducted in close coordination with the Government of Indonesia.

As of October 18, we had reached approximately 4,500 households — or 22,500 beneficiaries — in heavily-affected communities.

Assistance is urgently required to support those most vulnerable within affected communities – including children — especially with the oncoming rainy season.