A magnitude 6.2 earthquake hit the districts of Majene, Mamuju, and Polewali Mandar in West Sulawesi, Indonesia on 15 January. This was preceded by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake in the same area a day earlier with several aftershocks. The earthquake left more than 30,353 persons in the affected districts living in temporary shelters. The earthquake has also resulted in the disruption of electricity, communication, water supply, transportation access (by air, sea, land), and there is also security issue like road blockage due to landslides and looting of relief aids in some locations.
The COVID-19 pandemic has also put the disaster in a complicated situation. The Indonesian government has started to deploy rescue teams and assistances to the affected areas. Based on the results of a quick assessment from BNPB, the governor of West Sulawesi Province has declared the state of emergency in the province.
ACT Indonesia Forum through Pelkesi and Yakkum Emergency Unit (YEU) will be supporting about 5,000 households with food, shelter materials, medical services, and drinking water, with funds from ACT Alliance’s Rapid Response Fund.
Indonesia West Sulawesi Earthquake RRF 032021