Situation Report: East Java Volcano (Indonesia)


February 14, 2014

Situation:

Mount Kelud, one of the active volcanoes in East Java, Indonesia, erupted Thursday (Feb. 13), with eight continuous explosions. The eruptions forced at least 201,228 people from 35 villages to evacuate their homes, and airports throughout the country are closed due to thick, hazardous ash fall and limited visibility.

Lava flows are also affecting nearby rivers. Officials are worried about how long displacement caused by the eruptions might last. Evacuation areas have been prepared, but there is not sufficient capacity to accommodate all of those evacuated, officials said.

The most pressing needs are: medical assistance — as many accidents occurred during the rushed evacuation – as well as mattresses; blankets; face masks; food for babies and elderly; water; emergency latrines; hygiene kits; psycho-social assistance for children and adults; and management training for shelter coordinators.

CWS Response:

CWS staff in Indonesia are working with other ACT Alliance members in joint assessments. Depending on assessment needs, CWS may respond to the emergency with other ACT Alliance members. Wide-spread ash fall is making assessments difficult.

How to Help

Contributions to support CWS emergency response efforts may be sent to your denomination or to Church World Service, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515.  Donations to our emergency response efforts around the globe may also bemade online.

Church World Service is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy.