Jakarta (AsiaNews) – Two days after the powerful earthquake that struck East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Catholic organisations and bodies linked to the Indonesian Church are at the forefront of relief and aid operations for the population, whilst Pope Leo XIV has sent a message of condolence.
Meanwhile, during the night, a new earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale was recorded off the coast but did not trigger a tsunami warning: the epicentre was located 175 km east of the town of Labuan Bajo (on the western tip of the island of Flores), at a depth of 18 km, and is not believed to have caused any damage or injuries. This latest tremor follows the main quake on 15 August, the updated – and still rising – death toll from which stands at at least 54 dead, 150 injured and nearly 6,000 displaced (other sources put the figure at around 13,000).
Indonesia lies within the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, an area characterised by high levels of seismic and volcanic activity where an average of around 7,000 earthquakes are recorded each year, most of which are of moderate intensity. Caritas Indonesia, together with local Caritas offices in the affected dioceses, has now launched an emergency response to the devastation caused by the main quake – whose epicentre was approximately 30 km north-east of Mbay, in Nagekeo Regency – followed by hundreds of aftershocks.
The regency of Sikka has recorded 3,356 displaced residents and that of Manggarai 2,078, whilst others left without a roof over their heads or shelter are in Nagekeo, Bima and on the Selayar Islands. The disaster has also damaged over 2,403 homes, as well as dozens of schools, healthcare facilities, government offices and churches. Urgent needs include emergency tents, food, medicines, blankets, sleeping mats, drinking water and generators.
The Church and the emergency
In recent hours, Pope Leo has also wished to express his solidarity and comfort to the people of Indonesia affected by the earthquake. In a telegram of condolence signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin and addressed to Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden of Ende, the Pope says he is “deeply saddened” to learn of the extent of the “devastation caused by the earthquake”.
Continuing in the message, Pope Prevost “assures them of his spiritual solidarity and closeness” to all those “suffering the ongoing effects of this disaster, in particular the many displaced and injured people”. “His Holiness,” the statement concludes, “encourages the ecclesiastical and civil authorities” in their work of “humanitarian assistance” and invites people to “pray” for the emergency personnel engaged in “rescue” operations, whilst commending the deceased to “God’s loving mercy”.
Meanwhile, Fr Fredy Rante Taruk, executive director of Caritas Indonesia (Yayasan Karina KWI), has confirmed the support of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI) for aid and rescue operations. “This disaster,” the priest told AsiaNews, “calls us to act in the name of Christian love and solidarity. Caritas Indonesia has activated Level III of the Impact Scale (Orange) and is ensuring that humanitarian centres and essential aid can reach survivors quickly.” Caritas Indonesia has set up humanitarian aid centres in the Archdiocese of Ende and in the dioceses of Maumere, Ruteng and Labuan Bajo. Qualified volunteers from the Caritas Response Team (CRT) are also being deployed.
The response is in keeping with the spirit of the ‘One Church, One Response’ initiative, which brings together dioceses, parishes, religious communities, volunteers and other church institutions to assist Catholics and affected communities in general following natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. Logistical transit centres are also being set up in Surabaya and Kupang to support the distribution of aid.
Operations in four dioceses
In the Archdiocese of Ende, Caritas is assessing the damage and assisting displaced residents, particularly in Nagekeo, Ngada and Ende. According to reports, at least 20 church buildings have been damaged. An aid centre and a temporary shelter for the elderly have been set up at the parish of Aeramo. In the Diocese of Maumere, Caritas has set up a humanitarian coordination centre and is working with the local disaster management authorities and the Indonesian Red Cross. Priorities include food, drinking water, blankets, hygiene kits and other essential items. Furthermore, the ongoing aftershocks are forcing many residents to remain outdoors.
Furthermore, in the Diocese of Ruteng, emergency tents have been erected at a regional hospital to protect patients from the risks of further earthquakes. Parish networks are providing support for evacuation operations and damage assessment. It is reported that more than 50 church buildings have been damaged, including Ruteng Cathedral. Meanwhile, the Diocese of Labuan Bajo is focusing on humanitarian services, emergency shelter kits and psychosocial support. Local sources state that around 150 homes have been affected, although assessments are continuing despite communication disruptions.
Church buildings open
Finally, the bishops of the four most severely affected dioceses have encouraged parishes, priests, religious communities and volunteers to support the emergency response. Church complexes and diocesan facilities are being opened as safe spaces for residents. Caritas Indonesia has also activated an emergency communication network and is deploying staff to enhance rapid assessment, data management and the distribution of aid.
The Indonesian Caritas Network has told AsiaNews that it will continue to support the affected communities throughout the emergency phase and during the post-disaster recovery phase; at the same time, the Catholic organisation urges residents to remain vigilant for aftershocks and to follow the official instructions issued by the emergency management authorities.
