World Jewish Relief has launched an emergency appeal to assist those affected by the Indonesian earthquake.

The United, Reform and Liberal movements are among those backing the appeal, to provide desperately needed clean water, sanitation, temporary shelter and emergency healthcare for residents of Padang, one of Sumatra’s largest cities with a population of 900,000. WJR chief executive Paul Anticoni said: “We will be working with trusted partners on the ground to ensure that all funds raised will directly benefit those who need them most.”

As well as the loss of life, the quake has destroyed more than 66,000 homes and severely affected schools and hospitals. Damage to the city’s water and sewerage systems has increased the risk of disease. Fallen bridges and damaged roads have limited access to the most vulnerable areas.

“Padang remains a scene of devastation with many parts of the city reduced to rubble,” Mr Anticoni said. “Without urgent intervention, suffering will increase dramatically. Once again, WJR is calling on the generosity of community members to give what they can and demonstrate that we care for the victims of such indiscriminative disasters.”