Caritas Indonesia is shifting its focus to recovery efforts following the catastrophic eruption of Mount Lewotobi in November in East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara.
The eruption caused significant devastation, killing nine people, damaging homes and schools, and displacing tens of thousands from eight villages.
With the emergency response period ending on Dec. 31, 2024, Caritas Indonesia announced its commitment to helping survivors rebuild their lives and communities.
“In response to the current situation, Caritas Indonesia, PSE-Caritas Diocese of Larantuka, and PSE-Caritas Diocese of Maumere, supported by their respective dioceses, are committed to continuing to the recovery phase after the end of the emergency response period at the end of this year,” the organization said.
The recovery programs aim to address immediate and long-term needs, including ensuring food security, restoring livelihoods, improving health services, and preparing communities to mitigate future disasters.
“Short-term assistance programs will be created to accelerate the recovery process for survivors to return to their respective homes and recover through meeting food needs, strengthening livelihoods and the economy, health, and preparedness in mitigating the risk of future disasters,” Caritas Indonesia said.
Since the eruption, Caritas Indonesia has been at the forefront of relief efforts, coordinating with diocesan partners to deliver aid to 13,321 refugees in East Flores and Sikka.
Humanitarian service posts were established in the affected areas to distribute food, clean water, sanitation supplies, cooking equipment, tents, and health services.
The response was bolstered by contributions from parishes, dioceses, religious congregations, universities, and community groups.
Caritas Indonesia envisions the recovery phase as a collaborative effort to rebuild not just homes but entire communities.
“Hopefully, the humanitarian response carried out by the Caritas Indonesia Network together with all the support received can help ease the burden of survivors in East Flores and Sikka,” the organization said.
