Pope appeals for solidarity for
victims of Indonesia disaster
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| A car is seen among ruins after a tsunami hit Carita beach in Pandeglang, Banten province. |
Pope Francis has issued an appeal to the international
community to support the victims of a devastating tsunami in Indonesia.
By Linda Bordoni
Pope Francis has issued an appeal to
the international community to support the victims of a devastating tsunami
in Indonesia.
The tsunami which struck during the night is believed to
have been triggered by a volcanic eruption and the death toll is climbing by
the hour with hundreds of people injured and scores missing. It is feared the
numbers of victims will continue to rise as not all affected areas have been
reached.
Speaking to pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square for
the Sunday Angelus, the Pope said his thoughts are with the people
of Indonesia “who have been struck by a series of violent natural disasters,
which have caused many deaths, many missing people, much displacement and
considerable material damage”.
He invited everyone to join in praying for the victims and
for their loved ones and expressed his spiritual closeness to those who are
affected by the tragedy saying that he implores God’s consolation in their
suffering.
“My appeal is that these brothers and sisters may not lack
our solidarity and the support of the International Community” he said.
According to Indonesia's disaster management agency the
death toll is currently at 222 people dead with 843 injured and 28 missing.
The volcano that erupted Saturday night lies in the Sunda
Strait between Java and Sumatra islands, linking the Indian Ocean and Java Sea.
It erupted about 24 minutes before the tsunami which could reportedly have been
caused by undersea landslides or those occurring above sea level on the
volcano's steep outside slope following the eruption.
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