Update on Central Sulawesi Response - Nov 2018

MSF is currently wrapping up its emergency response in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. On 28 September, a series of earthquakes hit Indonesia’s Central Sulawesi Province caused significant damage and loss of life. As of 30 October, 2,101 people are known to have died. A further 4,438 people have been seriously injured. Search and rescue operations were stopped on 12 October. According to figures released by Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), at least 1,373 people have been reported missing.

 

“The Government of Indonesia and its local authorities as well as the local non-governmental organisations were quick in reacting to the disaster. That is why, MSF, as an international humanitarian medical non-governmental organisation has been complementing these efforts and providing for the gaps in the response,” said Daniel von Rège, the country director of MSF in Indonesia.

 

Until mid-December, MSF will continue its Mental Health activities, prioritizing individuals in communities as well as reaching out to health staff for further trainings for them to independently continue providing much needed mental health support to the affected populations. 

 

The finalization of the construction of a temporary health centre in Baluase, south of Palu and the completion of latrines and installation of water tanks in selected IDP camps in the second week of November meant that we ended the logistical support in Palu by the 18th of November.  

 

As of 14 November, all clinical activities provided by MSF also ended. This decision was reached upon assessment of the community health centres’ (Puskesmas) capabilities of managing the health needs of the population. When the team left, the Puskesmas were already working at 80-90% capacity and had already restored the health services and programmes they have been running prior to the earthquake, tsunami and liquefaction. 

 

Here is a snapshot of the emergency response provided by MSF: