Save the Children and Its Partner Organization Raise Concerns for Indonesians in Isolated Makeshift Camps on Earthquake-Devastated Lombok

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Aug. 7, 2018)—Save the Children and local partner Yayasan Sayangi Tunas Cilik (YSTC) hold grave concerns for thousands of people living in makeshift shelters in remote villages on the earthquake-devastated island of Lombok, Indonesia.

The organization's Silverius Tasman said he had just visited parts of the island that have been cut off and are unable to access any aid.

“About an hour’s drive from Tanjung, the capital city of North Lombok district, there were five spots where landslides blocked the road. We also saw two bridges that have been almost completely destroyed, and the road itself was damaged in other locations,” he said.

“I visited one village where about 1,000 people were living in a makeshift camp after their houses were badly damaged or destroyed during the earthquake. 

"There were reports of an outbreak of diarrhea, which is extremely concerning for us, as young children are particularly vulnerable to water-borne diseases. Some children are going hungry because their families don't have enough food to eat. 

"We are assessing the needs in different isolated parts of the island and will soon begin delivering much-needed supplies, such as shelter kits, mosquito nets and hygiene kits. We’re also going to provide water purifying tablets to some villages that don’t have access to sufficient clean drinking water, to help prevent further disease outbreaks.

"Psychosocial wellbeing is also a key concern for us. We will set up safe spaces for the children to play to help relieve some of the distress being experienced by both parents and children.

"Save the Children, YSTC, and the Indonesian Government are doing all we can to help these people, but we do need more support to allow us to reach these most affected populations. It's important to remember that while tourists are leaving the island, that's not an option for these Indonesians—this is their home, and many of them have lost everything. They need and deserve our help in this time of need."

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