The Archbishop of Sydney's Anglican Aid has opened an appeal to provide emergency help to victims of the Indonesian tsunami which hit Central Sulawesi.

The 3-metre high tidal wave hit late last month after a 7.5 magnitude earthquake.

Residents of Central Sulawesi, including the capital of Palu and the smaller city of Donggala, as well as other coastal settlements suffered massive devastation with 66,200 houses destroyed or damaged and over 70,000 people displaced.

The 1,200 dead included 34 children attending a Bible camp. There have since been more than 76 aftershocks.

Through a partnership with the Diocese of Singapore’s welfare and development arm Anglican Aid has made an initial commitment of $10,000 AUD in emergency funding with the hope that more will follow as people respond generously to this appeal.

The Anglican Dean of Indonesia, the Rev Dr Timothy Chong will lead the Anglican Church’s relief effort from nearby Manado in North Sulawesi, which was not affected by the Tsunami. Aid will be in the form of providing a safe haven for many who are homeless as well as emergency supplies of food, shelter and clothing.

Rev. David Mansfield, CEO of Anglican Aid says, “I am very conscious that this appeal follows closely behind our current appeal for drought-ravaged farmers and the devastating floods in Kerala, India. Donors have responded so wonderfully to the Drought Appeal and we are ever so grateful for that.”

“Our further gratitude if you are able to respond to this current crisis as well.” Mr Mansfield said

Donations to Anglican Aid's Indonesia Tsunami Appeal can be made online or through the contact details on the Anglican Aid website.

Photo: Wikipedia