The United States will provide $100,000 in humanitarian assistance to those affected by the recent flood and landslide in Ambon. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance will work in coordination with the Government of Indonesia-led emergency response in the province to address immediate needs.
“In my recent visit to Ambon City in June, I was impressed by the people I met. I know first-hand their strong spirit and resilience,” said Ambassador Scot Marciel. “The United States is committed to helping the people of Ambon City recover from this calamity and rebuild their lives.”
The United States’ contribution will be made through Mercy Corps, which will coordinate efforts with the Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) in Ambon. This assistance will address immediate emergency needs of the estimated 6,000 displaced people that have taken shelter in schools and government buildings. The United States will provide household items, and water and sanitation provisions.
The torrential rains that peaked on August 1 have caused an overflow of the rivers in Ambon City and surrounding areas, including Haruku Island in Maluku Province. The Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has reported that ten people have died and thousands have been displaced.
The United States has worked in close cooperation with Indonesia to prepare and respond to natural disasters. In the last decade, USAID has helped respond to the eruption of Mount Merapi in 2010, the 2009 Padang earthquake, and the 2004 tsunami in Aceh.
USAID is the U.S. Government agency that provides economic, development and humanitarian assistance around the world.