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 at 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 disaster preparedness and adaptability in reaching affected communities. By deploying mini excavators to clear debris and Starlink satellite units to restore communications, the organization was able to navigate the treacherous terrain and coordinate its response effectively. The fact that local branches faced an operation far beyond their usual scope highlights the importance of scaling up quickly and mobilizing trained volunteers and staff from neighboring branches. The success of the Indonesia Red Cross's health services, which exceeded targets and reached over 86,000 people, also underscores the need for comprehensive support that includes guidance on clean and healthy living practices, hygiene, and disease prevention. Furthermore, the organization's Mental Health and Psychosocial Support services, which reached over 52,000 people, emphasize the significance of addressing the invisible wounds of disasters, a crucial aspect of disaster relief that is often overlooked.
About this story
Original reporting by ReliefWeb . Jesus Give 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 .
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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 Jesus Give 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 Jesus Give selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more disaster coverage from Jesus Give, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .