Caritas Mobilizes Churchwide Aid After Flores Earthquake

Caritas Indonesia has mobilized dioceses, parishes and volunteers to assist communities affected by a magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Flores Island in eastern Indonesia early Saturday, August 15.

The earthquake struck at 4:58 a.m. local time, with its epicenter about 30 kilometers northeast of Mbay in Nagekeo Regency, East Nusa Tenggara province. Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) issued a tsunami warning for several coastal areas, which was lifted at 7:31 a.m.

Initial reports indicated significant damage in several areas. The East Nusa Tenggara Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPBD) reported 13 deaths, while assessments of injuries, displaced residents and damaged homes were continuing.

“Caritas Indonesia is responding swiftly to the earthquake disaster in East Nusa Tenggara as part of the humanitarian responsibility of the Catholic Church in Indonesia,” said Fr. Fredy Rante Taruk, executive director of Caritas Indonesia.

“As of today, the mobilization of volunteers and Caritas teams in each diocese is already underway, including providing assistance and supporting evacuation efforts for people affected by the earthquake,” Fr. Taruk added.

The response is being organized under the theme “One Church, One Response,” bringing together dioceses, parishes, Caritas teams and other Church communities in a coordinated humanitarian effort.

Caritas Indonesia is coordinating with the dioceses of Ruteng, Labuan Bajo, Kupang, Maumere and Ende to monitor the situation and assess urgent needs. Parishes have also been encouraged, with the support of their bishops, to gather information and respond to affected communities.

In the Diocese of Ruteng, Caritas teams evacuated patients from the Regional General Hospital and set up emergency tents as a precaution against aftershocks and possible structural damage.

Caritas Indonesia has also activated the Karina Emergency Response Network (KERNET) to coordinate emergency information and assistance among its partners. Its national response network and National Emergency Response Solidarity Fund have also been activated.

In the Diocese of Maumere, the Crisis Response Team has been mobilized to assist affected communities in Sikka Regency, on Flores’ central-northern coast.

Initial assessments have identified urgent needs including safe evacuation, clean water, ready-to-eat food, temporary shelter, hygiene supplies and emergency health services. Particular attention is being given to children, older people, pregnant and breastfeeding women, people with disabilities and those dependent on regular medication.

Fr. Taruk emphasized that the Church’s disaster response is a shared responsibility involving Caritas, dioceses, parishes, volunteers and other Catholic communities.

The “One Church, One Response” approach, he said, reflects the Church’s commitment to stand in solidarity with people affected by disasters and ensure that assistance reaches those most in need as quickly as possible.

Caritas Indonesia said the situation remains fluid and that further assessments and official government data will guide the next phase of the humanitarian response.