UCA News
Contribute

Church rushes aid for Indonesian flood, landslide victims

Death toll in South Sulawesi natural disaster nears 70, seven others still missing
Church rushes aid for Indonesian flood, landslide victims

An Indonesian rescuer carries an elderly woman to safety following a landslide in Gowa after heavy rains and strong winds pounded the southern part of Sulawesi Island on Jan. 25. (Photo by Yusuf Wahil/AFP)

Published: January 28, 2019 10:51 AM GMT
Updated: January 28, 2019 10:52 AM GMT

Catholics in Indonesia are rushing aid to victims of floods and landslides in South Sulawesi province that have killed dozens of people and displaced thousands over the last week.

At least, 68 people were reported dead and 6,700 others were made homeless, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency, said on Jan. 27.

The disaster, thought to be the worst in decades, has badly affected 12 districts across Sulawesi province, destroyed about 550 houses and submerged about 5,100 others. 

The flooding has also damaged scores of schools, places of worship and bridges, while 13,000 hectares of agricultural land were also badly hit, Nugroho said.

A search was on for seven people reported missing after a dam overflowed, he said.

Martina Ella, coordinator of Caritas in Makassar Archdiocese, said it has distributed basic essentials such as food and was still collecting other aid items such as hygiene kits and clothing.

Irene Ambrat, a parish worker in Sudiang-Mandai, said many people on her area were forced to flee flooding brought about by three days of heavy rain.

“We've established an emergency station in the church compound to provide food and other basic needs,” she said.

Heavy rain and strong winds are continuing to lash South Sulawesi and other regions in Indonesia, according to the Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who visited South Sulawesi on Jan. 26, blamed the landslides on deforestation and called on the environmental ministry to allocate funds for a reforestation program.

He said the government would pay compensation of up to 15 million rupiahs (US$1,065) per person to families of those who lost their lives in the disaster.

Help UCA News to be independent
Dear reader,
Lent is the season during which catechumens make their final preparations to be welcomed into the Church.
Each year during Lent, UCA News presents the stories of people who will join the Church in proclaiming that Jesus Christ is their Lord. The stories of how women and men who will be baptized came to believe in Christ are inspirations for all of us as we prepare to celebrate the Church's chief feast.
Help us with your donations to bring such stories of faith that make a difference in the Church and society.
A small contribution of US$5 will support us continue our mission…
William J. Grimm
Publisher
UCA News
Asian Bishops
Latest News
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia
UCA News Catholic Dioceses in Asia