Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jakarta (Agenzia Fides) - While in the south of the Indonesian island of Sumatra aftershocks continue to follow the powerful earthquake which struck on 12 September - so strong that the local authorities issued a series of various tsunami alerts - Caritas, already actively involved in helping victims of other natural disasters in recent years (tsunami, earthquakes, eruptions of volcanoes) is monitoring the situation in view of possible direct intervention.
Caritas Indonesia volunteers were among the first to assist the people of Sumatra, mainly Muslim, seriously affected in the past by earthquakes and eruptions. Direct aid came also from Caritas Australia which following this recent quake has said it is willing to offer assistance. Jack de Groot director of Caritas Australia, said: “Fortunately according to reports from the local Caritas the situation is not too serious. But if things get worse we are ready to make available our competence and human and economic resources. It should be considered that a quake is always followed by after shocks and other disasters can occur. With our partners in the region we are monitoring the situation and we are prepared to intervene”.
The Caritas Internationalis network has designated a special delegate for the South East Asia and Pacific area, to collect information and update national Caritas offices in the area with regard to the needs.
To assist the affected families the Indonesian government has requested the services of a Civil Protection Unit and in some areas an intervention on the part of army troops. If, in the coming days international aid is requested, Caritas is ready.(PA) (Agenzia Fides 14/9/2007 righe 24 parole 249)
