Samaritan’s Purse is partnering with local churches to help hurting people in hard-hit areas after an earthquake and ensuing tsunami hit the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. The 7.5-magnitude quake triggered a tsunami with waves up to 20 feet high, as well as mudslides. More than 2,000 people have died.

“I was in Indonesia after the 2004 tsunami, so I know what survivors are going through. The next few days are critical, and we are doing all we can to rush help to those who need it most,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “We will be partnering with local churches in the affected areas. Pray that they will be strong witnesses for the Gospel in the midst of this great tragedy.”

The death count may still rise, as many people are missing and reported to be trapped in collapsed buildings. Estimates put the total number of people affected at more than 2 million.

Our teams report 129 camps for internally displaced people throughout the affected areas; reports indicate nearly 200,000 people are in urgent need of assistance; families are desperate for food and water. More than 65,000 people have lost their homes, and hundreds are injured. Bridges have been destroyed, roads are blocked and telecommunications are down. Mass graves are being dug to avoid the spread of disease.

Samaritan’s Purse has already been meeting critical needs in Indonesia, as we responded to the August earthquakes in Lombok by providing emergency food, water and shelter through local partners.

Please pray for those suffering in Indonesia. Pray that, during this tragedy, God’s love will be shown in action to families in desperate need.

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