Habitat for Humanity Disaster Response: Yogyakarta, Indonesia, Earthquake

Situation

An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Richter scale struck the central Javan province of Yogyakarta in Indonesia on May 27, 2006, with its epicenter located in the Indian Ocean 37 kilometers south of Yogyakarta. The results were catastrophic for families in these communities.

As of June 1, the United Nations estimated that more than 5,800 people were killed, as many as 30,000 injured, 100,000 to 600,000 people displaced, almost 50,000 houses completely destroyed, and another 58,000 seriously damaged.

After making its initial assessments, Habitat for Humanity Indonesia also reported that 16 Habitat partner families’ homes had been directly affected by the earthquake.

The government of Indonesia declared a three-month emergency period and estimated that nearly $100 million would be needed to provide food, health care and shelter and then start reconstruction.

Habitat’s Response

Habitat’s immediate response included distributing some 2,000 tarps with the help of partners to assist homeless families. A Habitat Resource Center is coordinating the long-term response. Through the Resource Center, Habitat will be able to provide direct housing assistance, repairs and renovations, and technical support.

Habitat will continue to focus its response on technical support, volunteer management and community development to help families overcome the emergency, find permanent housing and lessen future risks.

Want to help?
You can get involved in the recovery effort by donating money. Your donation will play an important role in putting these survivors and their communities back on their feet. Donate now.