Urgent Humanitarian Aid Needed as Typhoon Yagi Devastates Myanmar
As Typhoon Yagi wreaks havoc in Myanmar, claiming the lives of at least 300 individuals, the Jesuit provincial in the country underscores the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. The aftermath of the storm has left many grappling with high floodwaters and a lack of electricity.
Fr. Girish Santiago, the Jesuit Provincial in Myanmar, describes the impact of Typhoon Yagi as catastrophic, with over half a million people affected by the disaster. He emphasizes that the already vulnerable nation is facing additional challenges due to the natural calamity.
“The loss of lives and displacement of families have left many in dire circumstances,” Fr. Santiago expressed in an interview with LiCAS News.
A team of Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition Myanmar traveled from Yamethin City, north of Yangon, to Ma Kyi Su village, a two-hour drive, bringing food, drinking water, and essential supplies for the flood victims, including Buddhist monks. Photo: Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition Myanmar
The widespread flooding caused by the relentless rains has submerged many areas, leading to extensive damage to homes, infrastructure, and crops in nearly 100 townships, including the capital city of Naypyidaw.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) warns that more than 630,000 individuals have been affected by the floods in Myanmar, necessitating immediate assistance.
Fr. Santiago underscores the pressing need for essential resources such as food, clean water, medical supplies, clothing, and shelter materials, as communities struggle to recover from the disaster amidst challenges in transportation and communication.
Despite the adversity, people from various backgrounds have come together to support those impacted by Typhoon Yagi in Myanmar. In different regions, individuals have sought refuge in places of worship, highlighting the unity and resilience of the community in the face of adversity.
As Myanmar continues to navigate through the aftermath of the typhoon, Fr. Santiago emphasizes the importance of global support and prayers for the nation’s recovery.
A team of Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition Myanmar traveled from Yamethin City, north of Yangon, to Ma Kyi Su village. Photo: Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition Myanmar
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