Vatican News
The death toll from the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Indonesia, particularly the island of Flores, on Saturday, Aug 15, has risen to at least 68, with 213 people injured. Nearly 13,000 people have been forced to leave their homes. Rescue operations are continuing in areas affected by landslides and cut off from the outside world.
On the morning of Aug 18, a new magnitude 6.1 earthquake was recorded off the coast of Sumatra, at a depth of 29 kilometres (18 miles), according to the Indonesian geophysical agency.
Children’s situation raises concern
There is particular concern for the situation of children in the aftermath of the quakes.
According to Save the Children, more than 8,000 children and adolescents in the province of East Nusa Tenggara are unable to attend school and face growing risks to their safety. More than 900 homes have been damaged by the earthquake and numerous aftershocks. In addition, at least 87 schools and 18 health centres are among the infrastructure affected. The earthquake has also struck communities already struggling with drought linked to the El Niño phenomenon and volcanic risks associated with Mount Lewotobi, compounding its impact on children’s health, education and psychosocial well-being.
“Children are among those most at risk”
Save the Children, together with the local organisation CIS (Circle of Imagine Society) Timor, is assessing the needs of families in order to launch relief efforts. The organization’s priorities include restoring access to education and supporting families’ livelihoods.
“Children are among those most at risk,” stressed Fadli Usman, Director of Humanitarian Response and Resilience at Save the Children Indonesia, warning that the immediate response will need to be accompanied by longer-term measures to address loss, malnutrition, child labor, early marriage and other child-protection risks.
Caritas is mobilizing
Caritas Indonesia has mobilized the Catholic Church’s humanitarian network in the dioceses affected by the earthquake, coordinating in particular with those of Ruteng, Labuan Bajo, Kupang, Maumere and Ende. Volunteers and diocesan teams are already assisting the population and taking part in evacuation operations. Parishes are gathering information about the needs of local communities. Among the most urgent needs, Caritas has identified drinking water, food, shelter and hygiene kits, healthcare, and support for the most vulnerable, particularly children, older people, pregnant women and people with disabilities.
The response follows the principle of “One Church, One Response”, through which, explained Caritas Indonesia Director Father Fredy Rante Taruk, dioceses, parishes, volunteers and Church structures are being mobilized to “respond quickly and effectively to the humanitarian situation” and ensure that aid reaches the affected communities. – Vatican News
