Earthquake response in Indonesia and the Philippines
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Salvation Army teams in Indonesia and the Philippines are continuing to support those impacted by the recent earthquakes that resulted in fatalities, injuries, widespread destruction and severe disruption.
BY IHQ COMMUNICATIONS
INDONESIA
The Salvation Army is assessing urgent needs and preparing emergency support after a 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, affecting more than 6400 people on 16 June.
Captain Jevry Ambitan, an Indonesian Salvation Army officer currently serving at the Salvation Army’s International Headquarters as Project and Finance Administrator for International Emergency Services, said: “The recovery process calls for solidarity and collective support. Through our continued prayers and concrete assistance, we can strengthen affected communities and ensure they receive the protection, care and essential services they urgently need during this difficult time.”
The earthquake hit at 11.27 am local time, with its epicentre located around 42km south-east of Palu at a depth of 10km. Strong shaking was felt widely across Palu and surrounding districts, prompting residents to leave buildings and seek safety outdoors.
According to the latest data from Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Authority, as of Thursday 18 June three people have died, 17 people have suffered serious injuries and 91 have sustained minor injuries. A total of 2109 households (6412 people) have been impacted by the disaster.
The earthquake has caused significant damage to homes and community infrastructure.
Major Albert Silinawa, The Salvation Army’s Divisional Commander for Palolo, reported that several Salvation Army churches and community buildings have also sustained damage.
As aftershocks continue, the safety of officers, church members and local communities remains a significant concern. Salvation Army teams in Palolo have begun gathering reports from affected areas to support preparations for an emergency response.
Healthcare workers at The Salvation Army’s Woodward Hospital in Palu are also supporting those impacted, while officers and staff from various departments are working together as part of the wider response.
Immediate priorities include access to clean and safe drinking water, emergency tents and temporary shelter, medical and health services, blankets and basic relief items. Children’s nutrition and hygiene support is also urgently needed, including age-appropriate food, safe infant-feeding support where appropriate and essential hygiene supplies.
The Salvation Army in Indonesia is working to ensure support reaches affected communities as soon as possible.
Further updates will be shared as more information becomes available, but we continue to keep those impacted in our prayers.
THE PHILIPPINES
The Salvation Army has delivered emergency relief for 900 families affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao, Philippines, on 8 June 2026, followed by associated landslides.
The powerful earthquake, which triggered tsunami warnings and associated landslides, has caused fatalities, severe loss, disruption and widespread destruction across parts of Mindanao. Communities are facing displacement, damage to homes and infrastructure, and interruptions to essential services, including electricity and communications. Thousands of people are being accommodated in evacuation centres.
A team from The Salvation Army in Mindanao carried out a rapid needs assessment earlier this week, visiting barangays (local village-level administrative areas) and local government representatives in General Santos City and nearby Sarangani province. The team met evacuees, local government units and camp coordinators to understand the most urgent needs.
In response, The Salvation Army will distribute food, water, sanitation and hygiene materials, and provide psychosocial support to people staying in evacuation centres. Trained volunteers from the General Santos City church and community centre are ready to help deliver assistance to an estimated 900 families.
The Salvation Army is working closely with local government units, social workers, barangay authorities and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to coordinate the response and ensure support reaches those most in need.
The Salvation Army’s work in the Philippines was officially recognised in 1937 and continues today through 114 faith communities, as well as programs in emergency response, education, community development, social enterprise, and modern slavery and human trafficking response.
International Emergency Services, based at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters in London, supports local and national Salvation Army programs around the world to prepare for crises and respond when emergencies and disasters occur.
We continue to offer prayers for all those affected and for the staff, officers and volunteers who are working tirelessly to alleviate the situation.
For the full versions of these stories, and to access other international news, go to the International Salvation Army website.
