As rescuers frantically search for survivors beneath the rubble in the city of Palu, with over 800 people dead and an estimated 1.6 million people affected, ActionAid’s country director in Indonesia Fransisca Fitri said:
“This is one of the biggest earthquakes our country has suffered. We are all in shock and utterly devastated. Since Friday’s earthquake, there have been over 200 aftershocks and more keep coming. It’s terrifying for people in the worst-hit areas.
"Last night, we heard that a whole village in Sige was swallowed up by the earth. It just disappeared. We think this is due to “liquefaction” of the ground as the earthquake ripples radiate out. It’s terrifying. Our team is trying to cover all affected areas, but we urgently need support to help save lives.”
For further information, contact the media team on email: charlotte.clarke@actionaid.org; or if out of hours, on +44 (0) 7753 973 486.
Notes to editors
1. ActionAid is an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty. Our dedicated local staff are helping end violence against women and girls and changing lives, for good. We won’t stop until women and girls are out of danger, out of poverty and on track to create the future they want.