Missionary Society of Saint Columban Myanmar Team
August 10, 2015
MT S04 Re – Flood in Myanmar Dear Superior General and RMU Leaders, Greetings from Myanmar! For the last 15days, the rain has never stopped in Myanmar. The domestic and international media have delivered what is happening in this country. According to the authorities, “flash floods and landslides caused by heavy rains have killed at least 46 people and affected more than 215,000” (UCANews). Fr. Neil Magill, who is in Mandalay, said, “We continue to suffer from natural and man-‐ made disasters here in Myanmar.” He continued, “What we have done here at the HEC [Higher Education Center] is students and staff gave donations from their pocket money and clothes they did not need. I added a personal donation to buy food and clean water. Some teachers also bought rice and noodles and the students delivered everything by themselves. This ensures that the flood survivors get everything.” Fr. Patrick O’Donoghue, who is currently visiting in Myitkyina, said, “Like Neil, I'd seen reports from other agencies already. More than two thirds of the country have been affected. On the plane to Myitkyina, the severity of the flooding just north and west of Mandalay was clearly visible. Some villages were isolated by the water. I've also had first hand reports from people here & on Monday Fr. Peter brought me to Mogaung, which had been under water for 10 days. The water rose more than two meters in the Church compound and flooded the Church, convento, other buildings. The waters had receded but the watermarks were visible despite cleaning. In fact they, and the surrounding area in the town, were flooded twice. The first time the waters receded, people began to clean up only for the waters to return a day later. 30 families who had been displaced by the conflict in the surrounding area & were housed in the Church compound had to be moved again because of the floods. The poor suffer more & more.” In Yangon, students have been standing on the streets and collecting money and clothes for the victims of the flood. I can see the people in Myanmar are very generous and kind for those who are in needs. I also went to Karuna (Caritas) in Yangon and met ‘Emergency & Relief Program Manger’ and ‘Finance Director’. At this time, they are still collecting information and planning for distributing the aids. Please, remember all victims by the flood in Myanmar in your prayers. Sincerely, Rev. Euikyun Carlo Jung, S.S.C. Spokesperson Missionary Society of Saint Columban Myanmar Team
Missionary Society of Saint Columban Myanmar Team 1st Floor, No. 37 Sizon Street, Sanchaung Township, Yangon, Myanmar Phone: +95 (0) 9 791 224 146 / E-‐mail: myanmar@columban.org