Family Care Indonesia

When the earthquake that caused the tsunami in Pangandaran occurred we had 17 of our volunteers working in the Yoyga area, so we mobilized our team towards the disaster site, already being within the vicinity we were among the first to arrive. Our task was to survey the situation, determine what the immediate need was as well as doing what we could to bring relief to the survivors.

Since the initial scout team, we have sent 2 teams to Pangandaran, and the village of “Legok, Kabupaten Ciamis”, which is about a one hour drive up the coast west of Pangandaran.

Many of our sponsors in Jakarta donated food, clothes and other daily needs. These items were delivered by truck and given to those affected by the tsunami in this village. Once the goods were distributed we did puppet show performances and clown shows for the encouragement of the children and parents.

These inspirational shows have become a main part of our mission in such disaster areas with so many becoming discouraged and overwhelmed with grief. We have found that being there to comfort and encourage those that are suffering is a great part of rehabilitation. Being able to show these unfortunate victims that someone cares and is willing to help them brings a ray of hope to those who have suffered great loss.

(See more photos of our projects in Pangandaran)

On Monday afternoon, July 17th 2006, the southern coast of Java was hit by a devastating tsunami, which was triggered by a 6.8-magnitude undersea earthquake 180km off the coast of Pangandaran. The earthquake caused up to 4 meter high waves. The tsunami traveled inland as far as 400 meters.

Estimates of the total number of dead are over 500 with 400 serious casualties having been reported. The number of missing stand at 300 many of which may be tourists who had been holidaying at the beachside resorts of Pangandaran.

The four-meter high tsunami destroyed houses, hotels, shops and buildings along the coast from West Java to Yogyakarta. More than 40,000 people were displaced. Many are living in makeshift accommodation in the Hills around Pangandaran.

The areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami include Tasikmalaya, Ciamis, Sukabumi and Garut districts in West Java province; Cilacap, Kebumen, and Banyumas districts in Central Java province; and Gunung Kidula and Bantul districts in Yogyakarta province.

It was the second devastating quake after an earthquake rocked area around royal city of Yogyakarta on May 27, killing at least 5,700 and destroying or damaging 150,000 homes.

(See more photos of our projects in Pangandaran)