October 10, 2018
By Edward Lewis

Jersey Overseas Aid (JOA) has committed £350,000 in response to the ongoing emergency in Indonesia following the devastating earthquake and tsunami that hit the central Sulawesi region at the end of September.

The Island’s contribution will be split between the British Red Cross (£200,000) CARE International (£75,000) and UNICEF (£75,000) and will address the immediate needs of those affected by the disaster including assisting with search and rescue efforts, the distribution of emergency supplies, the provision of shelter and water and providing psychosocial support and counselling to children affected by the disaster.

Speaking of Jersey’s commitment to emergency and humanitarian relief, the Island’s Minister for International Development and Chair of JOA, Deputy Carolyn Labey, said ‘It is right that Jersey joins the international community in helping those worse affected by the recent disasters in Sulawesi and I am proud of the Island’s record in answering the call of those in need. These funds will make a significant difference to thousands of individuals.”

All three agencies, in addition to being longstanding partners of JOA, have the necessary country knowledge, resources and expertise to ensure that the aid is delivered effectively and as quickly as possible. The earthquake and subsequent tsunami has claimed nearly 2,000 lives and affected up to 1.5 million individuals including 75,000 who have lost their homes.