Cianjur Earthquake Emergency Response
Supporting Recovery with Clean Water Access
The Aftermath
On November 21st, 2022, an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 killed hundreds of residents of Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia. Thousands of homes and infrastructure including water supply facilities and pipes were seriously damaged or destroyed
“My house is on high ground. When the earthquake occurred, we ran out of the house and looked for a safe location. Unexpectedly, in a matter of seconds, our house and several other nearby houses collapsed. Many people did not have time to escape from their homes, including my children and wife who were trapped in my collapsed house.”
Planet Water Foundation Response
To provide desperately needed clean, safe water to families in the wake of the disaster, Planet Water Foundation and our partners deployed two AquaBlock Emergency Water Systems in the region in the communities of Kampung Salakaung, Desa Sarampad and Kampung CipakuCau, Desa Sukajaya.
“There is a lot of difficulty in accessing clean water at this time. The only choice we have is to use well water. However, this water cannot be consumed directly. We must boil it first and it takes a lot of effort as our house was damaged by the earthquake.”
On January 2nd, 2023, the Planet Water Foundation team installed both AquaBlock systems, each of which produces 1,500 liters of clean water per hour and can support the daily water requirements of up to 10,000 people. The AquaBlock removes bacteria, protozoa, viruses, pathogens and other contaminants greater than 0.01 micron, and will assist in the immediate drinking water needs of the communities.
“The AquaBlock will really help us – it will reduce the financial burden on each family due to the impact the earthquake has had on most people’s livelihoods. We don’t need to think about where or how to get drinking water anymore because we only have to bring our empty water jug to the AquaBlock and we will have clean and healthy drinking water.”
Among the communities with the highest need for a safe water source is Kampung Salakaung, Desa Sarampad,Kecamatan Cugenang. Residents have lost loved ones, been displaced, or been injured and need clean drinking water to help keep them safe from deadly waterborne diseases.
Learn More About Our Disaster Response Work
AquaBlock Emergency Water System
Planet Water Foundation’s AquaBlock Emergency Water System provides clean, safe drinking water access when needed most in the wake of emergencies and natural disasters.
