Indonesia Tsunami Death Toll Hits 430, with 1,500 Injured, Plan International Hong Kong Appeals for Public Support

On 22 Dec (Saturday), volcanic activity believed to have sent a wave crashing into coastal towns on Indonesia’s Sunda Strait, with at least 430 confirmed dead, over 1,500 people injured and many reported missing. The waves swept away hundreds of houses, leaving more than 20,000 displaced and without access to clean water and adequate food.

A man reacts after identifying his relative among the bodies of tsunami victims. (Photo credit: AP)

Some of the worst affected areas of Lampung and Banten are left in complete ruins. Hundreds of buildings were destroyed, roads were flooded and cars were tossed aside. When the tsunami hit, people were suddenly swept away by the waves while the residents in fear for their lives ran to the highland.

The unexpected tsunami left a trail of destruction, destroying buildings and tossing cars aside. (Photo credit: Ronald/AFP)

Yayasan Plan International Indonesia is closely monitoring the situation and deployed Emergency Response Team for conducting Rapid Need Assessment. We are ready to distribute non-food items such as hygiene kits, blankets, and tarpaulin and provide psychosocial support to children, if there is a need to respond. Meanwhile, we have planned to provide activities to raise public awareness on natural disasters and emergency preparedness.

Kanie Siu, CEO of Plan International Hong Kong urges the public to show support to the affected children.The tsunami was the latest in a series of disasters that have struck the fragile nation so far. Earlier tragedies included earthquakes that hit the island of Lombok, and an earthquake and tsunami that wrecked Sulawesi Island. Disasters can have devastating effects on children’s lives. They are exposed to new threats such as lack of food and water, and the loss of or separation from their families.”

The powerful earthquake and following tsunami hit the island of Sulawesi, Indonesia in late September.  Women received hygiene kits from Plan International.

Operating in Indonesia since 1969, Plan International has been helping marginalised children to access their rights to health, sanitation, education, livelihoods and protection. The organisation is also providing life-saving support to quake-stricken victims in Lombok and Sulawesi to weather the storm and rebuild lives.

Donation Methods

  • Bank Transfer

Please make a direct deposit into HSBC account #640-068292-838 and mail the original bank receipt (mention: Indonesia Tsunami Relief) together with your name, address and telephone number to Plan International Hong Kong.

  • Crossed Cheque

Please mail the cheque payable to Plan International Hong Kong Limited. Please mention “Indonesia Tsunami Relief” and write your name, address and telephone number at the back of the cheque.

  • Cash Donation via 7-Eleven

Please visit any 7-eleven stores in Hong Kong and present the barcode to make a cash donation. Please mail or email the original bank receipt (mention: Indonesia Tsunami Relief) together with your name, address and telephone number to Plan International Hong Kong.