First Response Earthquake Relief
Donation protected
SUMMARY: Several villages in an isolated area in far East Indonesia have been devastated by the July 14 earthquake.
Urgent need: food, blankets and medical supplies for the affected families
Why: The area is not yet under purview of NGOs/disaster relief agencies (otherwise we would channel funds to a formal organization) and it is uncertain how much relief will be provided to these last mile communities.
How: In coordination with an incredible local team, a boat has been procured to deliver the supplies on July 16. We are grateful for any contribution to help offset the cost.
NOTE: Updates and supporting images will be shared once we return as the area is off-grid. Thank YOU.
BACKSTORY: I am part of a team documenting a project in remote East Indonesia. On July 14 a 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit with the epicenter being in Labuha and we continue to experience quakes(https://time.com/5626304/indonesia-earthquake-maluku-island/). While the assessment of the Maluku area only reports damage to buildings so far, our team has managed to make contact with 2 remote villages we were intended to visit July 15 (via a cell phone provided on an earlier project trip). Our contact reported around 75% of homes destroyed, 2 deaths, and numerous injuries. The families have fled to the forest out of fear of further quakes or tsunami and are in immediate need of food (rice), blankets and medical supplies. This area is incredibly remote and has, up until recently, not been in contact with others. It is not under the purview of any NGOs/disaster relief agencies (otherwise we would channel funds to a formal organization trained for this). Access to these villages is a challenge and very few boats are available and willing to go there. In coordination with a local team (and plans communicated to government government officials), a boat has been procured in Labuha to deliver the supplies. We are handling this in as delicate and culturally appropriate way as possible. We are grateful for any contribution to help offset the cost. Updates and supporting images will be shared once we return later next week as the area is off-grid. I will not be able to respond to any questions or comments until I am back online.
Disclaimer: The above information is as accurate as possible considering the very limited access to communication with the affected area. Tomorrow, upon delivery of the supplies, we will know much more information and will update this fundraiser once we have internet connection once again.
Funds: Any funds beyond the goal will be distributed to those most in need. As funds were raised in USD and due to regulatory requirements, the funds will need to be transferred to Joy's account in USA and then transferred to account of local project organizer in USA.
Urgent need: food, blankets and medical supplies for the affected families
Why: The area is not yet under purview of NGOs/disaster relief agencies (otherwise we would channel funds to a formal organization) and it is uncertain how much relief will be provided to these last mile communities.
How: In coordination with an incredible local team, a boat has been procured to deliver the supplies on July 16. We are grateful for any contribution to help offset the cost.
NOTE: Updates and supporting images will be shared once we return as the area is off-grid. Thank YOU.
BACKSTORY: I am part of a team documenting a project in remote East Indonesia. On July 14 a 7.3 magnitude earthquake hit with the epicenter being in Labuha and we continue to experience quakes(https://time.com/5626304/indonesia-earthquake-maluku-island/). While the assessment of the Maluku area only reports damage to buildings so far, our team has managed to make contact with 2 remote villages we were intended to visit July 15 (via a cell phone provided on an earlier project trip). Our contact reported around 75% of homes destroyed, 2 deaths, and numerous injuries. The families have fled to the forest out of fear of further quakes or tsunami and are in immediate need of food (rice), blankets and medical supplies. This area is incredibly remote and has, up until recently, not been in contact with others. It is not under the purview of any NGOs/disaster relief agencies (otherwise we would channel funds to a formal organization trained for this). Access to these villages is a challenge and very few boats are available and willing to go there. In coordination with a local team (and plans communicated to government government officials), a boat has been procured in Labuha to deliver the supplies. We are handling this in as delicate and culturally appropriate way as possible. We are grateful for any contribution to help offset the cost. Updates and supporting images will be shared once we return later next week as the area is off-grid. I will not be able to respond to any questions or comments until I am back online.
Disclaimer: The above information is as accurate as possible considering the very limited access to communication with the affected area. Tomorrow, upon delivery of the supplies, we will know much more information and will update this fundraiser once we have internet connection once again.
Funds: Any funds beyond the goal will be distributed to those most in need. As funds were raised in USD and due to regulatory requirements, the funds will need to be transferred to Joy's account in USA and then transferred to account of local project organizer in USA.
Fundraising team: Indonesia Creative Group (2)
Joy Souligny
Organizer
San Diego, CA
Melissa Loh
Team member
