On Friday 27 September a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck Sulawesi, a central island in Indonesia, leaving hundreds of people dead and thousands without homes. 

After the earthquake hit, a massive tsunami later followed, sweeping into the city of Palu. Due to a lack of heavy equipment, the relief effort has been difficult as many areas are out of reach for volunteers.

“Communication is limited, heavy machinery is limited… it’s not enough for the numbers of buildings that collapsed,” said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for the National Disaster Mitigation Agency.

As the death toll continues to rise, President Joko Widodo has welcomed offers of international help.

Here are some charities in need of your help. 

Indonesian Red Cross 

The Indonesian Red Cross (Palang Merah Indonesia) along with International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies have been helping on the ground over the weekend.

The charity is aiming to distribute 500 tarpaulins, 200 blankets, 200 sleeping mats, and 200 sarongs. They have also managed to send five ambulances to help, too. 

You can make a donation here. 

Google

Google has created a way for people to easily make a donation. Simply type into Google ‘donate Indonesia earthquake and tsunami’ and an option to do so will appear. You can then select the amount you’d like to give, making the process very smooth for all.

Google works with the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, which then ensures that the donations made reach the non-profits in the areas that have been affected. 

Save the Children

Save the Children has set up an Indonesia-specific emergency fund, asking for donations.

The charity has also appealed for help – from teachers to child protection officers – on the ground, too. 

You can make a donation here. 

Oxfam

Oxfam is aiming to help 100,000 people who’ve been affected by the natural disaster in the city of Palu. Currently, it has been estimated that 16,732 people have had to flee their homes and are in desperate need of basic supplies.

“It is likely that thousands of people across a large area will need urgent help after this powerful earthquake and tsunami,” said Ancilla Bere, Oxfam’s humanitarian manager in Indonesia.

“Oxfam is provisionally planning a response to reach 100,000 people in Palu city and Donggala district. This is likely to focus on the immediate needs such as ready-to-eat meals, water purification kits and emergency shelters.

“Access and communication remains a big concern with a key road cut off by a landslide and other infrastructure badly damaged. It is encouraging to hear that the Indonesian Armed Forces has mobilised military aircraft and helicopters to reach people in affected areas.”

You can make a donation here. 

Images: Twitter / Getty