In 9th Dec 2021, HAND International (HAND) is proud to be part of the International Disaster Response Network (IDRN), playing a vital role in providing psychosocial support to the village of Sumberwulu, which had been devastated by the eruption of Mt. Semeru. This natural disaster, unexpected and fierce, took the lives of 17 individuals, with many still missing. The community was caught entirely off guard, leaving them in dire need of assistance and support.
The Unforeseen Catastrophe
The eruption of Mt. Semeru serves as a stark reminder of how nature can unleash its fury without warning. In the blink of an eye, a peaceful village like Sumberwulu was turned into a disaster zone. The local residents, who had never anticipated such a calamity, found themselves grappling with the aftermath of a volcanic eruption.
People in our community were totally caught off guard.
Yuni – village resident
Psychosocial Support: A Beacon of Hope
Amidst the devastation and chaos, psychosocial support emerged as a beacon of hope. In times of disaster, the emotional and psychological well-being of survivors is often overlooked. However, it is an integral part of the recovery process. Psychosocial support focuses on healing the hearts and minds of those affected, providing a sense of normalcy in a time of upheaval.
HAND International’s Assistance
HAND International stepped up to provide vital assistance to the stricken community. The warmth of a hot drink, be it milk, coffee, tea, or ginger, can offer comfort beyond words. Adults and children alike found solace in these simple yet heartfelt gestures. For the young ones, HAND International organized activities, playing games and distributing milk, biscuits, and toys to approximately 400 children. These activities aimed to alleviate the trauma they had experienced and bring smiles back to their faces.
Gratitude to Donors and Well-Wishers
In moments like these, the power of collective efforts becomes evident. HAND International extends its heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors and well-wishers who have consistently supported its mission. It is their unwavering support that enables organizations like HAND to be a ray of hope in the darkest of times. With their help, HAND International continues to make the world a better place.
As the village of Sumberwulu rebuilds, HAND International remains committed to offering support and healing to the hearts and minds of the affected residents. In the face of adversity, this collaboration with the International Disaster Response Network and partners like the Singapore Red Cross and Dr. Fred Toke demonstrates the strength of humanity when united in the pursuit of a better world.
