Switzerland raises CHF6.2 million for Indonesia earthquake tragedy
Survivors of the Indonesian earthquake await evacuation from Sulawesi.
Keystone
The Swiss public has donated CHF6.2 million ($6.25 million) to help Indonesia deal with the aftermath of an earthquake and tsunami that has claimed at least 1,571 lives. The disaster hit the Indonesian island of Sulawasi last month.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/mga
The funds were raised during a Swiss Solidarity-organised national fundraising day on Friday in collaboration with the business units of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), swissinfo’s parent company.
Hotlines were set up in the cities of Zurich, Geneva, Lugano and Chur in response to an appeal from the Indonesian government for international assistance. Outgoing Swiss Economics Minister Johann Schneider-Ammann took a stint manning the telephone hotline.
The donations collected by Swiss Solidarity will initially be used to meet the most urgent needs.
The affected populations are in urgent need of food, water, medicine, medical equipment and shelter. Later, as resources permit, Swiss Solidarity partners will help people to recover from the disaster, for example by rehabilitating and rebuilding their homes.
Switzerland is among 11 countries that have sent funds to Indonesia. Other nations include the United States, Britain and Australia. Seven Swiss Solidarity partners are already on the ground: ADRA, Caritas, HEKS, Medair, Save the Children, Solidar, and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Switzerland sent a second team of five experts and 900 kilograms of aid material to the disaster area on Thursday, the Swiss News Agency reported.
Popular Stories
More
Swiss Abroad
Heimatort, sweet Heimatort: the unique Swiss concept of home
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Is your place of origin, your Heimatort, important to you?
Every Swiss citizen has a Heimatort, a place of origin, but many have never visited theirs. What’s your relationship with your Heimatort? What does it mean to you?
This content was published on
French and Swiss armoured and artillery units will train together to strengthen the defence capabilities of the Swiss army.
Harmful substances in particulate matter underestimated: Swiss research
This content was published on
Measurements significantly underestimate the amount of harmful substances in particulate matter, says an international research team under Swiss leadership.
Switzerland reopens its humanitarian office in Kabul
This content was published on
Switzerland opened its humanitarian office in Kabul in mid-March to provide targeted aid to the Afghan population in distress.
This content was published on
From Wednesday, a Swiss passport will no longer be sufficient to enter the UK - Swiss travellers will also need an electronic travel authorisation.
This content was published on
A German security expert could imagine Swiss soldiers being part of a peacekeeping force in Ukraine after an eventual ceasefire.
Leading Swiss politician favours closer EU defence ties
This content was published on
Co-president of Swiss centre-left Social Democratic Party calls on Switzerland to step up security cooperation in Europe.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss Broadcasting Corporation helps raise funds for Indonesia
This content was published on
Following the devastating earthquake and tsunami on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, the Indonesian government launched an appeal for help.
Swiss aid experts to leave for quake-hit Indonesia
This content was published on
Switzerland’s offer of humanitarian aid for victims of Indonesia's deadly earthquake and tsunami has been accepted by the Indonesian authorities.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.