In a telegram signed by Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Pope Leo assures these affected by the 15 August earthquake in Indonesia of his “religious solidarity and closeness” and encourages ongoing humanitarian and restoration efforts.
By Vatican Information
Pope Leo XIV was “deeply saddened” to study of the “devastation” attributable to the 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara area on the morning of Saturday, 15 August.
The provisional dying toll stands at 53, with 135 folks injured and 13,000 left homeless.
In a telegram addressed to Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden, SVD, of Ende, and signed by Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope affords “the reassurance of his religious solidarity and closeness to these struggling the persevering with results of this catastrophe, notably for the numerous displaced and injured.”
The Pope additionally encourages the ecclesial and civil authorities “as they proceed to supply humanitarian help” and prays “for the emergency personnel engaged in restoration efforts.”
Lastly, he commends the useless “to the loving mercy of Almighty God” and invokes “the divine blessings of comfort and energy.”
Intensive human and materials harm
The primary highly effective magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck the island of Flores on Saturday and was adopted by quite a few aftershocks all through the day. A number of hours later, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck the island of Sumatra.
Along with the lack of life, the earthquakes induced in depth harm to properties and infrastructure.
In response to Indonesia’s Nationwide Catastrophe Administration Company, greater than 900 properties have been destroyed and one other 450 broken. At the very least 167 public buildings, together with faculties, healthcare centres and church buildings, have been rendered unusable.
Hundreds of displaced folks have sought shelter in momentary lodging.
