Past responses /
Indonesia
Following the devastating 2018 Central Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami, GER³ deployed to Palu to support early recovery through debris management, school clearance and the preparation of safe sites for displaced families.
Tsunami debris, including displaced boats, surrounds a school in Palu following the 2018 Central Sulawesi earthquake and tsunami. Photo: GER³
Overview
On 28 September 2018, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck Central Sulawesi, triggering a destructive tsunami and widespread liquefaction and landslides. More than 2,000 people were killed and over 200,000 displaced, while homes, schools, roads and other essential infrastructure were damaged or destroyed.
GER³ deployed a disaster response and recovery team to Palu to assess priority needs and support communities beginning the recovery process. Working alongside the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI), government authorities and local communities, our team focused on debris management, safe site clearance, school recovery and the preparation of land for temporary shelter. GER³ also expanded its team locally and sourced equipment in Indonesia to support an efficient, locally grounded response.
General focus areas
Debris management and safer recovery
Large volumes of debris and damaged structures created significant safety risks and prevented communities from beginning to recover. GER³ supported debris removal, demolition and site clearance across affected areas, while identifying materials that could be safely salvaged and reused.
Working with local partners and authorities, our team helped clear damaged sites and prepare them for their next use, creating safer conditions for communities to return, rebuild and restore essential services.
Safe schools and education recovery
Flooding, debris and structural damage left schools in Palu unsafe and difficult to access. GER³ helped clear affected school sites, remove debris and manage the demolition of damaged structures so that recovery work could begin.
Our team also provided local workers with tools and protective equipment and delivered safety briefings for teachers and workers involved in site clearance. This practical support helped make damaged education spaces safer and supported communities working to restore them.
Temporary shelter for displaced families
GER³ worked with the Indonesian Red Cross and the Government of Indonesia to prepare sites for families displaced by the disaster.
This included removing rocks and debris and leveling land for temporary shelter sites, including one site designed to accommodate 240 family tents. By preparing safe and usable ground, GER³ helped partners establish temporary living spaces for families who had lost or could not safely return to their homes.
