The Christian Conference of Asia called on churches across the region to support relief and recovery efforts in eastern Indonesia, where local church networks have mobilized aid after a magnitude 7.7 earthquake killed at least 53 people.
Hundreds were injured and thousands displaced after the Aug. 15 earthquake struck off Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara province, according to reports cited by the regional ecumenical body.
CCA General Secretary Rev. Jung Eun Grace Moon urged member churches, national councils and ecumenical partners to accompany affected communities as rescue and recovery operations continued.
“We call on CCA member churches, national councils, and ecumenical partners to uphold the affected communities in prayer and to accompany them with timely relief, compassionate presence, and support for recovery and rebuilding. As the immediate emergency response continues, let us stand alongside the people and churches of Indonesia in solidarity,” Moon said.
CCA said churches in the affected region, including the Protestant Evangelical Church in Timor, or GMIT, were working with the Communion of Churches in Indonesia, or PGI, to mobilize relief assistance, coordinate emergency support and reach affected communities through church and ecumenical networks.
The magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck at a shallow depth about 68 kilometers north-northwest of Ende.
Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysical Agency, or BMKG, said movement along the Flores Back-Arc Thrust fault system caused the earthquake, which initially prompted tsunami warnings.
Tremors were felt across East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara and parts of southern Sulawesi.
Rescue teams continued searching for survivors as landslides, damaged infrastructure and aftershocks hampered access to affected communities. Manggarai, East Manggarai and Nagekeo regencies were among the hardest-hit areas.
Moon expressed condolences to families of those killed and solidarity with survivors and emergency workers.
“In this time of anguish, we grieve with all those who mourn the tragic loss of life and the immense suffering caused by this devastating earthquake. The Christian Conference of Asia stands in solidarity with the people of Indonesia and prays for God’s comforting presence with the bereaved, strength for emergency responders, and healing for the injured,” she said.
Moon also appealed for continued support as affected communities move from emergency relief toward recovery and rebuilding.
“We pray for wisdom and strength for all those engaged in relief and recovery efforts, and for the resources needed to restore lives and communities. May God’s protective hand remain upon the people of Indonesia and sustain them with strength, comfort, and hope in the days ahead,” she said.
