After the earthquake and tsunami hit the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia, a HHI assessment team traveled to Indonesia, evaluated the situation on the ground and met with our partner, HOPE worldwide Indonesia (HOPE worldwide).
As a result of face-to-face meetings with our partner, information gathered from other organizations and the Indonesian government, it was determined that supporting the work of a local partner was the best and most efficient way to get aid to those in need.
So, we are moving forward with helping those affected by the disasters by supporting the work of HOPE worldwide’s local medical teams. That immediate support comes in the form of funding and a delivery of medicines that will treat approximately 1500 patients, plus an additional shipment of medicine that will be delivered this week.
With almost 2,000 people confirmed dead and another 5,000 missing, these disasters have devastated the region. The recovery of the area is just beginning, and we will continue to work to provide health and hope to those in need.
A Heart to Heart International (HHI) disaster response team is headed to Indonesia following the deadly earthquake and tsunami that devastated the area over the weekend.
An earthquake struck the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia on September 28, 2018, and the resulting tsunami crashed over the island with a reported 10-foot-high wall of water. An estimated 2.4 million people were affected by the disaster, with approximately 600 people hospitalized, more than 48,000 displaced, and more than 1200 confirmed dead, though that number is expected to rise. The Indonesian government requested medical assistance from the international community on Monday, October 1.
HHI’s team will be flying out of MCI at 7:45 p.m. on October 2, 2018. The trip itself will take more than 24 hours for the team. Once on the ground in Indonesia, the team will coordinate with HHI partners in the area to determine needs and how HHI can best help.
“As the rescue workers are reaching the more remote areas, they are discovering the greater extent of the disaster and the greater needs for assistance. The people in Indonesia suffered a terrible blow with the earthquake and tsunami. This is Heart to Heart International’s mission. We go to help those in need,” Dr. Rick Randolph, Chief Medical Officer, Heart to Heart International, said.
In addition to Dr. Randolph, the team includes HHI’s Disaster Response Manager, a volunteer nurse, and a communication expert.
HHI has experience responding to disasters in this part of the world, including in responses to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013, Tropical Cyclone Pam in Vanuatu in 2014, and Super Typhoon Koppu in the Philippines in 2015.
“Our Hurricane Florence disaster response team returned from North Carolina on Monday, and this team will be out the door to Indonesia on Tuesday. It’s a fast turnaround, but we were monitoring the situation over the weekend, and when the government put out the call for assistance, it was clear we needed to be there.” Kim Carroll, President and COO, Heart to Heart International, said.