Following the powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Flores, Indonesia, the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate. More than 70 people have reportedly been killed, tens of thousands have been displaced, and critical infrastructure has sustained significant damage.
With many families forced from their homes, access to safe drinking water remains an urgent need. Planet Water Foundation is on the ground in Flores providing water-filtration solutions to affected communities.
Planet Water Foundation is supporting shelters in Waso and Satar Padud, in Lamba Leda Utara District, Manggarai Timur Regency. There are hundreds of families staying in these shelters which are comprised of tents that can accommodate 4–6 people,and where it is expected that residents will be staying for extended periods of time - not only because their houses were completely destroyed, but also because they are still afraid to return to permanent housing due to frequent aftershocks.
In Waso, the destruction was particularly severe. About 90% of houses were destroyed, and some were also hit by a small tsunami which, although not very high, devastated livelihoods. As most of the villagers are fishermen, the tsunami destroyed their boats and fishing nets. Residents of these camps now have a source of safe drinking water to help as they rebuild.
Planet Water's response was made possible through the support of our partners Harita Nickel and Xylem.
Learn more about Planet Water Foundation’s work to provide safe drinking water to underserved communities and those affected by natural disasters.
