Indonesian Red Cross opens family reunification service in Flores

After the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck Flores on Aug. 15, the Indonesian Red Cross made reconnecting families a priority in the disaster’s aftermath.

Its Restoring Family Links service, known as RFL, is operating across six districts and municipalities in East Nusa Tenggara: Nagekeo, West Manggarai, Ende, Ngada, Manggarai and East Manggarai.

According to Indonesian Red Cross post data, 2,814 people have used the service. Of those, 1,454 filled out a “I Am Safe” form to tell relatives they survived. Another 1,355 people used free telephone services to contact family members and confirm their safety.

The service has also helped five people reunite with their families. Indonesian Red Cross Secretary-General A.M. Fachir said the organization prioritizes family-link services whenever disasters separate people from relatives.

“One message confirming that someone is safe can end a family’s anxiety and bring peace to those who are waiting,” Fachir said.

The Indonesian Red Cross is encouraging people who cannot reach relatives to use the service through local contacts in the affected districts.

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In every disaster that separates people from their families or relatives, the Indonesian Red Cross prioritizes RFL services to help them reconnect. One message confirming that someone is safe can end a family’s anxiety and bring peace to those who are waiting.