Media Release 1/10/2018

TEARFUND LAUNCHES INDONESIA EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI APPEAL

Tearfund has launched an appeal to meet the desperate needs of the millions affected by the magnitude 7.5 earthquake and 5-and-a-half-metre tsunami which hit Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Friday evening.

Tearfund CEO Ian McInnes says Tearfund’s partner on the ground are ready to respond with life-saving aid to those most desperately in need.

“While the death toll stands at more than 800 now, we know from experience that the numbers will rise as teams reach areas which are currently inaccessible and sift through the rubble of destroyed buildings.

“Tearfund’s partner is reporting massive destruction and people are terrified that another earthquake or tsunami will hit. We’re particularly worried about the vulnerability of children who have lost their parents or caregivers.”

McInnes knows all too well the devastation that tsunamis can inflict. He was in Sri Lanka with his wife, a doctor, when the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami hit.

“From our apartment, we watched in horror as the waves hit. We knew at once we needed to help and joined an NGO that was responding, heading to remote communities which had been completely devastated”.

“Tsunami’s are devastating and I encourage Kiwis to support the response to this one”.

The needs here are the same as in 2004: medical assistance, water, food, shelter. Tearfund asks Kiwis to show the Indonesian people the kindness of New Zealanders by donating to Tearfund’s Indonesian Earthquake and Tsunami Appeal today.

New Zealanders can respond to the Indonesian Earthquake and Tsunami Appeal at Tearfund.org.nz or by calling 0800 800 777.

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