Central & East Java Floods

Appeal Target: US$ 131,936

On 26 December 2007, areas along the Bengawan Solo river banks in Central and East Java provinces were inundated by torrential rain which resulted in the river overflowing its banks. The ‘Gajah Mungkur’ reservoir, which was initially built to prevent such an overflow of water, was unable to take full capacity of water due to sedimentation.  The situation was exacerbated by high tidal waves in the coastal districts.

During the crisis phase, many people in the affected areas had to leave their homes and, with their livestock, sought refuge on high ground. The severe floods have damaged not only housing but also the economy of the affected population, who are predominantly farmers. By the second week of January 2008, the water had started to recede and most of the displaced were able to return to their homes and start the process of recovery. However, many standing crops for the February harvest were destroyed so families are having to cope without an income and food, and water borne diseases such as dengue fever are a threat.

In the first two weeks, Yakkum Emergency Unit (YEU) - a member of the ACT International alliance- provided crisis phase assistance in community-based health care, emergency evacuation of 136 people, and distribution of basic hygiene kits, potable water and tools for cleaning up post-flood mud and debris. The crisis phase assistance is included in this appeal along with proposed rehabilitation assistance for a total of almost 24,000 men, women and children. The programme aims to prevent a deterioration in the health of the most vulnerable, to reduce the risk of potential outbreaks of post-flood diseases, and to enable communities to rehabilitate their homes, environment and livelihoods. YEU also plan to facilitate improved information sharing and coordination with and amongst different actors providing assistance. Throughout their response, YEU are focusing on the specific needs of vulnerable women and children, as well as strengthening the preparedness of local communities, churches and government against the risk of future disasters.  The proposed programme will close at the end of June 2008.

YEU is working in coordination with fellow members of the ACT Forum in Indonesia: Yayasan Tanggul Bencana Indonesia (YTBI), which provided relief assistance to the floods in Java with funding from the ACT Rapid Response Fund, and Church World Service (CWS) who are responding through local partners’ in Jombang, East Java outside this ACT appeal.

Project Completion Date:

30 June 2008 (6 month implementation period)

Reporting schedule:

Interim narrative & financial reports: N/A
Final narrative & financial reports: 31 August 2008
Audit: 30 September 2008

Signed by: 

John Nduna
Director, ACT Co-ordinating Office