Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Tierradentro (Agenzia Fides) - Following an eruption of the volcano Nevado de Huila, in the territory which includes the Vicariate Apostolic of Tierradentro in Colombia, Bishop Edgar H. Tirado, Vicar Apostolic of the area, issued a statement in which he said “fortunately all the technical devices installed beforehand to warn of the phenomenon worked”.
“As soon as we heard the warning of the imminent rising of the River Páez, which crosses our territory north to south at Belalcázar, Cauca, the see of our Vicariate, and which has its source on slopes of the volcano, local organisations intervened and the planned aid operations went into action. About 3,000 people were evacuated from the town to previously identified places. During the night the river waters rose by metres higher and when day came we were able to estimate the consequences. There was considerable material damages but fortunately no one was killed or hurt”, the statement reads.
“During the morning the people were able to return to their homes. The danger is still lurking because the volcano is in full activity.”
“For our part - says Bishop Tirado -, the Church is united to support our villages and co-operate with all the activities. With the aid which will be supplied, the nunciature and everyone can co-operate and we will organise an aid programme to face the post-calamity situation with our farmers to retrieve land, animals and crops. I thank all the Bishops - the Vicar Apostolic concludes - the Nuncio and the ecclesial institutions for the expressions of solidarity towards the Particular Church in Tierradentro”(AP) (23/4/2007 Agenzia Fides; Righe:25; Parole:285)
