JCB has announced a donation of $250,000 worth of equipment to Sulawesi in Indonesia following the recent earthquake and tsunami which has killed more than 1,400 people on the island.

According to an announcement by the UK-based global equipment heavyweight, two Loadall telescopic handlers complete with powerful grab attachments are on their way to the region, which is battling against the humanitarian disaster.

JCB said the 531-70 and 540-170 machines can lift loads weighing several tonnes and, with the grab attachment, will be perfect for removing heavy debris. The machines, fitted with a variety of other attachments, including buckets and forks, will also play a major part in reconstruction efforts once they begin.

JCB Chairman Lord Bamford said: “The scale of this natural disaster has shocked people all over the world and JCB always tries to help wherever these catastrophes occur. I hope our donation can speed up clear-up operations and help with subsequent redevelopment.”

The UK Foreign Office and the Indonesian Embassy in London has been informed of the donation, said JCB.

JCB has a history of helping countries affected by major natural disasters and has made equipment available to support relief and rebuilding efforts after earthquakes in Nepal, Chile, Pakistan and Haiti, and in the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. In August JCB donated the use of a JS205 tracked excavator and an operator to the Indonesian island of Lombok after a series of earthquakes and aftershocks.