Caritas Indonesia Steps Up Earthquake Response in Flores

Caritas Indonesia is maintaining a Level III (Orange) emergency status as it strengthens its humanitarian response one day after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Flores, mobilizing volunteers, humanitarian posts and relief assistance across four affected dioceses.

According to Indonesia’s National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), cited by Caritas Indonesia, the earthquake has killed 47 people, injured 101 and displaced more than 5,934.

The quake was followed by 341 aftershocks, damaging 914 houses heavily, 126 moderately and 317 lightly. Damage was also reported at 93 educational facilities, 36 health facilities and 38 government offices.

Fr. Fredy Rante Taruk, executive director of Caritas Indonesia, said the Level III (Orange) emergency status was established through Letter No. 356/SK-YK-VIII/2026 after consultations with affected dioceses and the Caritas network.

“This disaster calls us to act on the basis of Christian love and solidarity,” Fr. Fredy said.

The response covers the Archdiocese of Ende and the dioceses of Maumere, Ruteng and Labuan Bajo. Bishops have instructed parishes, clergy, religious communities and volunteers to open church and diocesan facilities as temporary shelters and conduct rapid assessments to identify vulnerable people.

In the Archdiocese of Ende, Nagekeo Regency has reported the most significant impact, with at least 20 church buildings damaged. Caritas is assessing damage, assisting displaced people and distributing initial relief supplies in Nagekeo, Ngada and Ende. A service post, including a shelter for elderly people, has been established at Aeramo Parish.

In the Diocese of Maumere, Caritas and parish Socio-Economic Development Commissions have activated a humanitarian coordination post in Sikka. Teams are preparing ready-to-eat meals, beds, food, clean water, hygiene kits and other basic necessities for displaced residents.

In the Diocese of Ruteng, Caritas is prioritizing emergency health services. Tents have been set up near the Regional General Hospital to allow patients to be moved out of buildings considered unsafe because of continuing aftershocks.

The parish network is also supporting evacuations and gathering information on casualties. More than 50 churches, including Ruteng Cathedral, have reportedly been damaged. For safety reasons, the bishop has advised that religious services temporarily not be held inside church buildings.

In the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Caritas is establishing humanitarian service posts, providing emergency logistics and shelter kits, and offering psychosocial support. Preliminary reports indicate that about 150 houses have been affected, although assessments are continuing.

Caritas Indonesia has activated KERNET (Karina Emergency Response Network) to coordinate information among the affected dioceses. Caritas Response Teams are also being prepared to support rapid assessments, data management and relief distribution.

With the emergency status maintained, Caritas Indonesia said the response remains focused on immediate needs, including safety, shelter, basic necessities, accurate damage assessments and assistance for vulnerable groups.

The organization urged residents to remain calm but vigilant about aftershocks and to follow guidance from Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysical Agency (BMKG) and local disaster management authorities.