Floods in Indonesia

Largest flood in South Kalimantan in 50 years.

The GKE church ensures the supply of the victims. (Photos: GKE)

With emergency aid totaling 15,000 euros, the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland, the Evangelical Church of Westphalia and the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) are supporting the Gereja Kalimantan Evangelis (GKE) in Indonesia in dealing with the consequences of the ongoing severe flooding in South Kalimantan.

Biggest flood in 50 years
The region has been affected by massive rainfall since January 7 this year. Rivers have burst their banks, flooding villages and towns in ten districts. Rural areas such as Tapin and Banjar are affected, as well as larger cities such as Banjar Baru and Banjarmasin. According to the Indonesian government, these are the largest floods in 50 years.

Victims will be dependent on emergency aid for a long time to come
At least 112,700 people have been brought to safety so far, and 40,000 affected people have been left homeless. At least fifteen people lost their lives. In more than 27,100 houses, the water is up to three meters high. Power outages occurred in several regions. Many roads have become impassable or have been washed away by the masses of water. The floods have also increased the risk of epidemics. According to the Indonesian Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), the above-average rainfall during the current rainy season may continue until February. This means that people affected by the floods will be dependent on emergency aid for a long time to come.

The UEM member church Gereja Kalimantan Evangelis (GKE), which is based in South Kalimantan, is asking the German churches for rapid financial support in order to be able to continue its diaconal emergency aid for the affected people. Urgent needs include basic foodstuffs, ready-to-eat food, mineral water and medicines against diarrhea and itching.

Donations per bank transfer here. Online donations here.

Online editor