The Urgency of Climate Action: Catholic Church in Malaysia Responds to Severe Flooding
The recent devastating floods in Penampang district, Sabah, Malaysia have prompted the Catholic Church in Malaysia to call for urgent and sustainable solutions to address the broader impacts of the climate crisis. Fr. Fabian Dicom, director of Caritas Malaysia, emphasized the importance of raising awareness and taking responsibility to care for creation in the face of such environmental disasters.
The flooding, which affected over 2,300 families in at least 16 villages on July 5, highlighted the need for proactive measures to mitigate the effects of climate change. Sister Anita James, coordinator of Caritas Kota Kinabalu, noted the unprecedented severity of this year’s floods, which surpassed previous incidents.
In response to the crisis, Caritas organizations within the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu swiftly mobilized their quick reaction units to assess the flood damage and provide relief to affected communities. Despite facing limitations in their response capabilities, the local Caritas is determined to enhance its organizational capacity and secure necessary resources to support those in need.
Connecting the Dots: Climate Crisis and Human Hardship
Fr. Dicom stressed the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of the climate crisis, human suffering, poverty, and migration issues. Beyond immediate relief efforts, the Church must actively engage in addressing the root causes of environmental degradation and its impact on vulnerable communities.
Anne B. Lasimbang, founder and executive director of PACOS Trust, highlighted the worsening flood situations exacerbated by increased rainfall intensity and unplanned infrastructural developments. Climate change has led to more extreme weather events, intensifying flooding and posing a significant threat to communities.
As the effects of climate change continue to unfold, indigenous communities living along riverbanks have been disproportionately affected. Lasimbang emphasized the need for long-term support, particularly for marginalized families and undocumented workers who often fall through the cracks of government aid programs.
In collaboration with Caritas and other Church groups, organizations like PACOS Trust are working to provide assistance and coordinate disaster response efforts. By raising awareness, advocating for sustainable solutions, and supporting vulnerable communities, the Catholic Church in Malaysia is taking a proactive stance in addressing the climate crisis and its social implications.
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