Dear Friends,

There is a devastating crisis unfolding in Indonesia — particularly in the provinces of Aceh (my home province), North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. In late November, Cyclone Senyar, coupled with large-scale deforestation, brought catastrophic flooding and landslides to these regions. Unprecedented flood flows were laden with massive timbers and mud, which destroyed homes, schools, roads, and bridges, caused widespread injury and loss of life, and forced thousands of families from their homes (see YouTube video: https://youtube.com/shorts/K3NkYmQLB7g?si=OaJVdkZSpJkQpLkD). Entire villages have been inundated or buried, leaving many communities isolated and without reliable access to food, clean water, or medical care.

As emergency response efforts continue, disease, hunger, and long-term displacement are growing, even as families face the overwhelming task of rebuilding their lives, which may take years. Displaced families are sheltering in tents, facing harsh and dangerous conditions. With schools closed or destroyed, children’s futures are on hold, and each day is focused on survival.

In this moment of urgent need, we are raising funds for relief and reconstruction efforts on the ground, to help survivors begin the long work of recovery. Any amount, large or small, can make a meaningful difference. We will be distributing these funds directly to a trusted organization that is doing relief and reconstruction work on Sumatra.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for any support you may be able to offer. Please feel free to share this link with others who might be in a position to help.

With gratitude,

Rina Sands