In August, natural disasters caused severe devastation and threatened the lives of Kolping members both in Pakistan’s Diocese of Faisalabad and on the Indonesian island of Flores. Thanks to funds from KOLPING INTERNATIONAL’s disaster relief fund, emergency aid was provided immediately in both countries.
INDONESIA
In mid-August, an earthquake measuring 7.7 on the Richter scale on the island of Flores triggered mudslides and destroyed the homes of many people, including many Kolping Families. With support from KOLPING INTERNATIONAL’s emergency relief fund, Kolping is able to supply people on the ground with clean drinking water, food and tents. In addition, cooking and eating utensils, medicines, hygiene items, blankets and clothing were distributed. Children in the emergency shelters are also receiving learning materials, as well as regular leisure and educational activities and psychosocial support.
On 17 August, Indonesia’s Independence Day, Kolping sent a special message of solidarity: Kolping members distributed relief supplies to families in the earthquake-affected area and visited those affected directly in their emergency shelters. The Kolping Youth also organised games for the children, giving them a few carefree moments despite the difficult situation.
PAKISTAN
On 10 August, many families in the Diocese of Faisalabad fell victim to flooding. Fields and crops were destroyed, houses damaged and roads rendered impassable. In some areas, electricity and gas supplies were also cut off. With the support of KOLPING INTERNATIONAL, Kolping Pakistan organised its first emergency relief operation on 30 August 2026. Around 100 of the worst-affected families received food parcels and drinking water. Two local Kolping Families also donated bottles of water for the families. Sixteen volunteers from six Kolping Families helped with shopping, packing, transporting and distributing the relief supplies, working until late in the evening.
As many families’ crops have been destroyed and their homes damaged, KOLPING Pakistan is expanding its aid and, with the support of KOLPING INTERNATIONAL, is assisting with the reconstruction. To the entire team at KOLPING INTERNATIONAL, we say: “Thank you for standing by our side. Thank you for trusting us. And thank you for helping us to support our people,” writes KOLPING Pakistan to Cologne.
