SITUATION: A powerful 7.5-Richter scale earthquake struck off of Sulawesi, Indonesia, early Monday morning (November 17). The quake triggered a tsunami warning that caused widespread panic. The warning was then withdrawn immediately after being issued.
Buol Regency, in central Sulawesi, is among the hardest-hit areas. Twenty-five villages were seriously affected, with some 15,000 people displaced and 700 homes completely destroyed. Some have returned to their homes, according to CWS-Indonesia. Others, particularly those living on the affected coastline, are reluctant to return; displaced are living in public areas and buildings, including schools and hospitals.
CWS RESPONSE: CWS Indonesia has sent an emergency assessment team to the affected areas to determine a response.
For further information about disasters to which Church World Service is responding please visit www.churchworldservice.org or call the CWS Hotline, (800) 297-1516.
CWS Emergency Response Program special contacts: (212) 870-3151
Program Director: dderr@churchworldservice.org