December 2018
Tsunami in Indonesia

A powerful tsunami thought to be related to the eruption of Anak Krakatau arrived onshore at about 9:30 p.m. local time on December 22, causing deaths, injuries and damage on both sides of the Sunda Strait, which runs between the Indonesian islands of Java and Sumatra. Reports indicate that at least 437 people have been killed, more than 14,000 have been injured and more than 33,000 have been displaced, with thousands of buildings damaged. All in all, the Indonesian National Board for Disaster Management, known as the BNBP, estimates that more than 351,000 people have been affected by the disaster.

The volcano continues to erupt, and the government has requested residents around the Sunda Strait to remain 1 kilometer away from the shoreline. Heavy rains and strong waves have slowed search-and-rescue efforts and emergency aid to affected villages.

International Medical Corps is working with a local aid organization to provide emergency healthcare through mobile medical clinics in Banten Province, home to Pandeglang District, which incurred the majority of damage, and accounts for 89% of the total number of displaced people reported. Other urgent needs include medical supplies, temporary shelters, food, household items and clean water. International Medical Corps is prepared to expand our response efforts as needed, including deploying health personnel, additional staff or medical relief materials at the government of Indonesia’s request.

This tsunami comes just three months after a powerful magnitude 7.4 earthquake caused a tsunami that struck Indonesia’s Sulawesi island. With more than 2,000 deaths and 206,000 people displaced by that disaster, International Medical Corps is continuing to provide relief to the families affected by providing water, sanitation and hygiene services, as well as psychosocial support and child protection services.