Rome, Italy, May 31, 2008 / 18:29 pm
The president of the Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar, Archbishop Paul Zingthung Grawng, has asked Caritas International for urgent help in assisting the survivors of cyclone Nargis which devastated the country several weeks ago. He said at least $8 million is needed to respond to the disaster.
“Catholic workers arrived immediately at the hardest-hit towns to rescue survivors and evacuate them. We can provide food, shelter and medicine to refugees in camps and churches. We can also distribute aid to those who have remained in their towns,” the archbishop said.
“Many would be dead were it not for the work of the Church and the solidarity of Caritas. The people of Myanmar for the first time feel they are connected to the outside world and are not alone,” he continued. “We are very thankful for all the help.”
J.P. Nelson, emergency response team leader for Caritas International in Myanmar, said, “We need to help some 75,000 people in the areas hardest hit.” All funds raised will be used to provide food and shelter to the survivors. More information on how to help can be obtained by sending an email to: TimO@caritas.org.au