VOLUNTEERS from Chilmark-based Team Rubicon UK say “good progress” is being made to help those affected by the Indonesian tsunami.

The team of five are heading back to the UK this week after helping provide clean water and distribute solar lights.

Paul Taylor, who has been leading the team, says “really good progress” is being made by the Indonesian authorities and charities in the country after the disaster in December.

On December 22, a landslip from the Anak Krakatau volcano eruption sent two waves up to 5m high surging into the Sunda Strait, killing at least 400 and wrecking hundreds of communities on the coastlines of western Java and south Sumatra.

Paul said: “It was initially very bad but it is improving. Everyone is doing a really good job getting to grips with it.”

Volunteers have been working in the Sumur region of southern Sumatra, working as part of ACT for Humanity’s recovery operation - carrying out needs assessments, drone operations, and water purification tasks.

Paul said: “It’s really about this partnership and about them and how we can compliment each other.”

They have been sharing their expertise and equipment to help set up a water purification system to give residents in the village of Paniis access to clean water as well as distributing 2,000 solar powered lights and chargers, which were donated by Amazon and MPOWERD, for those left without power.

The volunteers, working with local charities in the area, have also organised the delivery food parcels to about 170 families.

The team from Team Rubicon UK flew out on Christmas Day, to provide support after the disaster hit.

Team Rubicon has been working with authorities and local NGOs in the region since the Lombok earthquake in August 2018, providing drone damage assessments and specialist equipment to provide clean, safe water to thousands of people.

To make a donation to support Team Rubicon UK’s work or for more information about the charity or how to volunteer go to teamrubiconuk.org