Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Yogyakarta (Agenzia Fides) - The majority of the 130 thousand displaced people who have lost their homes after the eruption of the volcano Merapi in Central Java, are still homeless and in need of assistance. This is what is said in a report sent to Fides by the Jesuit Refugee Service in Indonesia, which observes that, six months after the first eruption, the activity of the volcano continues, preventing thousands of families to return to a normal life. After the first eruption in October 2010, the Jesuit Service, together with the local Caritas, quickly mobilized, providing assistance to refugees by accommodating them in 13 refugee camps set up by the government. The volunteers bring food, medicine, blankets, clothing for over 75 thousand people who want to return to their homes but are unable to do so. The most vulnerable groups are paying the price of such a long emergency such as women, children and the elderly, while the lack of work and livelihood has put in crisis thousands of people who are planning to leave the area and relocate to other areas of Indonesia. The non-governmental organizations committed ask for more attention on behalf of the authorities to help over 100 thousand victims of the disaster, who do not want to be displaced. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 15/04/2011)
