Indonesia earthquake
In 2023, Indonesia was struck by a devastating earthquake, with hundreds of people killed - many of them children.
Many buildings were destroyed by the magnitude 5.6 earthquake. Photo: Laz Harfa
This appeal has now closed. Donations made to this appeal helped support immediate relief in the form of food, emergency shelter, access to safe water, hygiene support, and essential items.
You can still make a donation to our Emergency Response Appeal below to help communities that have been affected by disaster and conflict around the world.
Indonesia struck by deadly earthquake
In 2023, a magnitude 5.6 earthquake hit the town of Cianjur West Java in Indonesia. At least 318 people lost their lives, many of them children. More than 7,729 people were left injured.
There was extensive damage to buildings, including a mosque, schools, boarding school, government office and over 1,300 houses. The earthquake was so strong that it was felt in the capital Jakarta, more than 75km away.
Your donations supported Caritas Australia's partners on the ground responding in aiding communities who required immediate assistance.
Why is Indonesia frequently struck by earthquakes?
Indonesia is located on the Ring of Fire, an arc of volcanoes and fault lines in the Pacific Ocean, where many volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. Indonesia records thousands of earthquakes every year, but most are minor and do not lead to casualties.
However, in recent years there have been several deadly earthquakes that have struck Indonesia. In February 2023, a magnitude 6.2 earthquake killed at least 25 people and injured more than 460.
In 2018, a 7.5 magnitude earthquake and tsunami struck the West Sulawesi province, killing more than 4,300 people and injuring more than 10,000.
The most devastating earthquake in Indonesia's history is the 2004 Boxing Day earthquake and tsunami, which claimed the lives of more than 227,898 people, with more than 130,736 deaths in Indonesia alone.
Why was this Indonesia earthquake so deadly?
While a 5.6 magnitude earthquake would typically be expected to cause only light damage to buildings and other structures, this particular earthquake caused significant damage and loss of life in Indonesia.
Inadequate infrastructure can mean that buildings that are not earthquake-proof are at risk of collapsing. At least 80 schools suffered damage during the earthquake and many of the casualties were children attending school.
The earthquake was also closer to the surface and located inland, near where people live, resulting in damage to buildings in populated areas.
Your donations helped affected communities with:
Emergency Tent's and Shelter for Displace Families
Access to Clean Water
Health Support for Vulnerable Communities
Food Rations for Families
The magnitude 5.6 earthquake caused significant damage to buildings. Photo: Laz Harfa
Where does my donation go?
The funds raised through our Emergency Response Appeal will be used to provide immediate and longer-term humanitarian assistance to communities affected disasters and emergencies around the world.
