Christian World Service has opened an appeal to support families in nearby South East Asia where millions are suffering the impact of three catatrophic cyclones in late November.

In Indonesia the provinces of Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra have been particularly hard hit, leaving thousands of people isolated and without access to essential supplies. 

Maysanti, a resident of Central Tapanuli in North Sumatra shared her distress with the BBC, explaining that aid workers were struggling to reach her district. 

“Everything is gone; our food supplies are running out. We can't eat. Even instant noodles are being fought over now. Our food is gone; we need food and rice. Access to us is completely cut off”. Maysanti reported. 

Records show that to date 1600 people have died due to extensive flooding in cities, towns and villages, flash floods and tidal surges as well as catastrophic landslides across large parts of the region, including in Vietnam and Thailand. 

CWS partners on the ground can deliver immediate relief to people in the greatest need after the massive storms in Malaysia and Indonesia were hit by Cyclone Senyar, the Philippines by Typhoon Koto/Verbena and Sri Lanka by Cyclone Ditwah, all landing between 25- 27 November. 

Local CWS partners in each country will distribute a lifeline of food and essentials to people in the worst affected areas, delivered through trusted ecumenical and church organisation partners, including national church councils. 

• Donate to the CWS South East Asia Cyclone Appeal

In Sri Lanka, more than 1.3 million people have been affected by the disaster to date, with more than 20,000 homes destroyed, 200 roads blocked, and vital infrastructure such as railways and the power grid sustaining significant damage. Similar damage has been recorded across the five countries most affected. 

Donations to the CWS South East Asia Appeal will enable local churches and faith-based organisations to provide clean water, essential hygiene items and food supplies such as 25 kg rice bags, and livelihood support where markets are still functioning. Other items will help support recovery for vulnerable groups such as impoverished farmers, fisherfolk, and residents of remote areas to get back on their feet.

• Donate to the CWS South East Asia Cyclone Appeal

For more information go to: Christian World Service