Church aid expands as earthquake deepens displacement, volcanic risks in Indonesia

The Caritas Indonesia network and local dioceses have expanded relief efforts on Flores Island to assist communities following a magnitude 7.7 earthquake on Aug. 15. The earthquake caused casualties and extensive damage across several parts of the island, according to Fides News Agency.

Bishop Yohanes Hans Monteiro of Larantuka said the earthquake hit residents who were already displaced by a volcanic eruption in Larantuka two years ago. While damage in Larantuka was relatively limited, Monteiro noted that families already displaced by volcanic activity remain in precarious conditions because the volcano still poses a threat.

The diocese is working with Caritas to support internally displaced people as they recover from the earthquake. Monteiro said that while fear remains widespread among the people of Flores, the disaster has prompted solidarity from civil authorities and communities throughout Indonesia.