Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Semarang (Agenzia Fides) – “Following the eruption of Mount Merapi, the priority is now the over 5,000 children who now risk their lives out in the cold. The cold is biting and the accommodation of IDPs is in itself difficult. There is already a struggle for survival. Children will not last long under these conditions, in tents.” This is what Fides was told by Johannes Paskoro, Director of Communications for Caritas in the Diocese of Semarang, which is grappling with trying to offer assistance to refugees after the eruption of Mount Merapi in Central Java.
The Caritas Director tells Fides: "We are doing everything possible to help about 10,000 refugees who were in the villages on the western slopes of the mountain. Other NGOs are involved in helping the other 10,000. We coordinate our efforts with the government entities of civil protection, which have set up refugee camps. Now the refugees, all local indigenous peoples, are all re-located in areas about 20 km from the volcano. Some are in the hospital for respiratory problems. They need food, medicine, blankets, as well as psychological support and comfort. This is what Caritas of Semarang is doing, thanks to the work of hundreds of volunteers came from throughout the diocese."
The refugees cannot wait to go home, despite the dangers that are still being reported, "Some want to go back in a few days and the government cannot prevent it. The people are accustomed to the eruptions of the volcano, as there is a small one usually about every 2 years and very violent eruptions happen, on average, every five years. The prevention work, to which Caritas contributed, has worked very well though," Paskoro tells Fides.
Caritas of Semarang, in addition to humanitarian aid, has initiated programs for post-trauma psychological support, especially for children who are among the most vulnerable together with the elderly and women. Also, "the cold could put lives at risk," Paskoro remarks. Currently, Caritas of Semrang is being supported by "Karina", Caritas in Indonesia, the support team of the Catholic Relief Services (Caritas USA), and a contribution of 60,000 Euros from Caritas Germany. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 28/10/2010)
