Ende: The powerful earthquake that struck Indonesia’s predominantly Catholic island of Flores has left homes destroyed, families displaced and communities struggling with fear. But amid the destruction, Archbishop Paulus Budi Kleden of Ende says one thing remains strong: the people’s love and solidarity for one another.
Speaking about the situation two days after the earthquake, Archbishop Kleden said he was deeply moved by the way people continued to support each other despite their own losses. For him, the disaster damaged buildings and caused great suffering, but it did not destroy the bonds that hold communities together.
The 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck in the early hours of 15 August in East Nusa Tenggara province. The disaster caused widespread damage across several districts of Flores, affecting homes, churches, schools and public buildings.
By 17 August, the death toll had risen to 68, while 213 people had been injured. Manggarai Regency recorded the highest number of deaths with 26, followed by East Manggarai with 24. Nagekeo recorded eight deaths, while Sikka reported four. Ende, West Manggarai and Ngada each recorded two deaths.
More than 5,000 people have been forced to leave their homes and stay in temporary shelters or other safe locations. Sikka has recorded the largest number of displaced people, with more than 3,300 people staying in evacuation centres and temporary shelters.
The earthquake struck at around 4:58 in the morning, with the epicentre about 68 kilometres north northwest of Ende. A tsunami warning issued after the earthquake caused panic, particularly among people living along the northern coast. Although the warning was later lifted, the fear remained as hundreds of aftershocks continued to shake the island.
More than 300 aftershocks have been recorded since the main earthquake. Many families remain afraid to return home, especially those whose houses have been damaged or weakened. The provincial government has declared a state of emergency from 15 to 28 August as rescue, relief and recovery efforts continue.
Archbishop Kleden was in Roe, near Mbay, when the earthquake struck. He had stayed there after taking part in the silver jubilee celebration of a fellow priest and was preparing to celebrate a Confirmation Mass later that day.
He recalled the panic that spread immediately after the earthquake. When the tsunami warning was announced, many people rushed towards higher ground in search of safety.
The Archbishop then began visiting communities affected by the disaster. He travelled by motorcycle along damaged roads, first with a village leader and later with his diocesan driver. During his visits, he saw families staying along roadsides, in forests and in open spaces near homes and schools.
The scenes were painful, but he also saw something that gave him hope. Families who were in safer areas opened their doors to those who had lost their homes. People shared food, shelter and other basic necessities even when their own houses had also suffered damage.
The Archbishop described the situation simply by saying that the houses of the people were cracked, but their love was not broken.
One encounter particularly stayed in his memory. While travelling between Aeramo and Danga, he saw a mother riding a motorcycle with her three children. One of the children was carrying a small crucifix.
For Archbishop Kleden, the sight was a powerful sign of faith in the middle of suffering. He saw the child carrying the crucified Christ while the family itself was going through its own difficult journey.
As the people of Flores mourn their dead and begin rebuilding their lives, Pope Leo XIV has also expressed his closeness to the victims. The Pope sent a message of condolence to Archbishop Kleden, expressing his sadness over the loss of life and the destruction caused by the earthquake.
He assured those affected of his prayers and spiritual solidarity and remembered the dead, the injured and everyone involved in rescue and relief operations.
The Pope’s message has brought comfort to Catholics in Flores, where many communities continue to pray despite damage to churches and parish buildings.
Archbishop Kleden has encouraged the faithful not to lose hope. He said that believers can trust that God has not abandoned them during this difficult time. He also stressed that solidarity is essential as communities face the consequences of the disaster together.
Priests across the Archdiocese of Ende have continued to celebrate Mass outdoors after churches and other buildings were damaged. Catholics have continued gathering for prayer even while living in temporary shelters.
The Church has also begun organising emergency assistance. Priests, religious communities and lay Catholics responded immediately after the earthquake, helping people even before a formal diocesan emergency programme was established.
The Archdiocese of Ende is now working with Caritas Indonesia to coordinate relief efforts. Providing psychological and trauma support has become an important priority, particularly for children and families who remain frightened by the continuing aftershocks.
The recovery will be long and difficult. Homes, churches, schools and public facilities will need to be repaired or rebuilt. Even the Archbishop’s residence suffered serious structural damage.
Despite the scale of the destruction, Archbishop Kleden said the Church would continue working with government authorities, humanitarian organisations and other people willing to help.
For the people of Flores, the road ahead will not be easy. They have lost loved ones, homes and a sense of security. Yet the earthquake has also revealed the strength of their communities.
As they begin the painful work of rebuilding, Archbishop Kleden is asking Catholics around the world to pray for Flores. His message is one of faith and hope: the earthquake may have damaged the island, but it has not destroyed the love, faith and solidarity that continue to unite its people.