District News
Indonesia Emergency Appeal
The Methodist Church in Britain and All We Can, the Methodist relief and development charity, have launched an urgent appeal for the people of Indonesia.
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On Friday 28 September, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck just off the central island of Sulawesi in Indonesia, setting off a tsunami that engulfed the city of Palu.
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Waves more than three metres high swept across the land destroying almost everything in their wake. At least 1,300 are already confirmed dead, though the true impact of this disaster may not be known for weeks with many neighbouring towns and villages cut off by landslides and debris.
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At the time of writing, three communities had yet to be reached.
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The President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Michaela A Youngson and Bala Gnanapragasam, said that they shared in the shock of all who are following the news of this the devastating tsunami in Indonesia:
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost so much; those who have been bereaved, those who have been injured and those searching in fear and dismay for their loved ones."
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"We know that our Methodist family will respond generously to appeals for money and will pray for the swift rebuilding of the communities so devastated by this disaster."
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All We Can, the Methodist relief and development charity, and The Methodist Church in Britain are calling for generous support for an urgent appeal for the people of Indonesia, following the destruction caused by the earthquake and tsunami.
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All We Can’s Humanitarian Aid Coordinator Laura Cook said: “People who have lost everything are in desperate need of water, food, shelter and access to medical care. The final death toll could rise in to the thousands, and thousands more are left in a dire situation. We urge people to give generously so we are able to respond quickly.”
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Conditions in the devastated area are extremely difficult. The tsunami tore up roads, washed away homes and cut off lines of communication.
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At least 42,000 people are displaced and more than 1.5 million have been affected.
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All We Can says that urgent supplies of food, water, shelter and medical treatment are needed now. It is already working with a trusted partner in Sulawesi to get help to those who need it most while assessing the most crucial needs going forward.
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To give to this urgent appeal, to follow the latest news from Indonesia and to download prayer resources visit All We Can's website.
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Image 1: The earthquake and tsunami have left buildings in ruins in the city of Palu. © All We Can/World Renew
Image 2: A boat that has been swept ashore by the power of the tsunami in Palu, Sulawesi © All We Can/World Renew
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NOTES FOR EDITORS
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All We Can is an international development and emergency relief organisation that supports local people in some of the world’s poorest communities to find effective solutions to poverty and injustice. Focussing on those in greatest need, it has always been inspired by Christian principles and is an integral part of the Methodist family.
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All We Can is the operating name of The Methodist Relief and Development Fund, registered charity number 291691.
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All We Can’s name should always be used in full and not abbreviated.
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All We Can will receive all funds for the Indonesia Emergency Appeal and will be responsible for overseeing the implementation and monitoring of the humanitarian response.
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The Methodist Church is one of the largest Christian churches serving Great Britain, with around 188,000 members and regular contact with nearly 500,000 people. It has 4,650 churches in Great Britain, and also maintains links with other Methodist churches with a worldwide total membership of over 80 million.
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For press interviews or further information and images please contact:
Laura Cook
Communications Manager and Humanitarian Aid Coordinator
All We Can
25 Marylebone Road
London NW1 5JR
Tel: 020 7467 5132
Email: info@allwecan.org.uk
Website: allwecan.org.uk