Salesians offering support to youth, families

(MissionNewswire) The earthquake that struck Aug. 15, reaching a magnitude of 7.7, is still continuing to impact the lives of people on the island of Flores, Indonesia. Damage to homes is one of the main challenges to recovery. Nearly 2,400 houses have suffered severe damage, over 7,200 moderate damage and a further 14,100 minor damage, while assessment operations are still ongoing.

The Salesian response was immediate. The Salesian community in Labuan Bajo opened its doors to all those seeking shelter after the earthquake. Although many people were subsequently able to return to their homes, the population remained on high alert due to aftershocks and fears of a possible tsunami. The disruption to electricity and communications also made it difficult to get in touch with families.

Now that the initial emergency phase has passed, attention is focused on reconstruction. In the parish of St. John Bosco in Gerak, Salesians have identified the damaged houses and devised a plan to repair or rebuild them. This will aid 80 families in the communities of Gerak, Rareng, Merawang and Kokor.

The damage ranges from cracks and considerable damage in walls and pillars to homes that need complete reconstruction. In some of the most serious cases, families have had to live in emergency tents or stay temporarily with neighbors.

A Salesian in Gerak said, “Renovating and rebuilding the damaged homes will help these families get their lives back on track and overcome fear, sadness, and trauma.”

The project involves purchasing cement, bricks, sand, steel and equipment as well as securing the necessary labor. While physical reconstruction is happening, Salesians also intend to offer social, emotional, and spiritual support to youth, families, and people who are elderly.

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Sources:

ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)

ANS – Indonesia – Rebuilding after the Flores earthquake: the Salesians’ response

Salesian Missions

World Bank – Indonesia