news & events
Emergency appeal in Indonesia and Samoa
A villager collects his belongings from the ruins of his house, West Sumatra, Indonesia
MRDF has opened an appeal to provide emergency relief supplies to thousands of people affected by natural disasters in Indonesia, Samoa and Tonga.
Disaster struck Sumatra, in western Indonesia, and many other islands on 30 September when an earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter Scale killed over 1,000 people. Landslides buried entire villages, left 1,000 people missing and many more homeless. The relief efforts, particularly to remote communities, have been hampered by blocked roads and bad weather, but getting clean water and food to the survivors is absolutely essential to prevent the spread of disease.
Further south, people are burying their dead and trying to rebuild their lives after four tsunamis and an aftershock struck Samoa, American Samoa and Tonga on 29 September. Over 150 people died and 32,000 people are homeless.
MRDF Director Kirsty Smith said: ‘The disasters have caused huge devastation to these countries. We may not be able to comprehend the great sense of loss - of family members, friends and community - but in our giving we can help to bring some hope to people in very desperate situations.'
Through its emergency partner in Indonesia, MRDF will help to provide food, water and medical assistance to some of the most vulnerable people. MRDF is working with the Methodist Church to provide vital support to those affected by the crisis in Samoa and Tonga.
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To make a donation for Indonesia by credit or debit card call 020 7224 4814. You can also donate by cheque, payable to “MRDF (Indonesia emergency)” and post to MRDF, 25 Marylebone Road, London, NW1 5JR. |
To make a donation for Samoa by credit or debit card call 020 7224 4814. You can also donate by cheque, payable to World Mission Fund, 25 Marylebone Rd, London, NW1 5JR.
Taxpayers are encouraged to gift aid their donations where possible, adding 28p to every pound they give, at no extra personal cost.