Commenting on the magnitude-7 earthquake that struck the Indonesian island of Lombok on Sunday, CARE’s Country Director in Indonesia, Helen Vanwel, said: “CARE is very concerned that the death toll will continue to rise. People now urgently need medical support, clean water, food and a safe space to sleep.

“Our team is monitoring the situation closely. Our emergency teams are ready to respond if international assistance is needed.

“People are very scared to go back into their houses. There has been almost 50 aftershocks and people continue to fear for their lives.”

CARE has worked in Indonesia since 1967, initially focused on food distribution, small infrastructure projects, health, the environment, and water and sanitation. In 2004, CARE Indonesia was one of the primary emergency responders after the Boxing Day Tsunami.

Donations to CARE Australia’s Global Emergency Fund can be made at www.care.org.au/emergency