disaster
When the rivers rose: Despite mud, washed-out roads and blackouts, Indonesia Red Cross volunteers delivered clean water, health and a ray of hope
By International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies ReliefWeb
· June 22, 2026
· 2 min read
. Landslides blocked nearly every routes to the affected areas. Some villages were completely unreachable in the first days. This did not stop PMI teams from getting through. They deployed mini excavators to clear paths through the debris. Because internet and electricity were both knocked out (for
Key takeaway Because internet and electricity were both knocked out (for a total of 47 days), PMI deployed Starlink satellite units to restore communications and coordinate the response across the vast affected region.
Why this matters
The Indonesia Red Cross's response to the floods demonstrates the critical role of preparedness and adaptability in disaster relief. By deploying mini excavators to clear debris and Starlink satellite units to restore communications, the organization was able to overcome the significant logistical challenges posed by the disaster. The fact that local branches were able to scale up quickly by mobilizing trained volunteers and staff from neighboring branches highlights the importance of having a strong, coordinated network in place. The provision of essential health services to over 86,000 people, as well as mental health and psychosocial support to over 52,000, underscores the organization's commitment to addressing both the physical and emotional needs of affected communities. The success of the Indonesia Red Cross's response also underscores the value of investing in disaster preparedness and response capabilities, particularly in regions prone to natural disasters.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ReliefWeb . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: disaster Published: June 22, 2026 Source: ReliefWeb Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? . Landslides blocked nearly every routes to the affected areas. Some villages were completely unreachable in the first days. This did not stop PMI teams from getting through. They deployed mini excavators to clear paths through the debris. Because internet and electricity were both knocked out (for
When was this published? This article was first published on June 22, 2026 by ReliefWeb and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies at ReliefWeb. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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