Australians support South East Asia after Typhoon Yagi devastation

One of the strongest storms to hit South East Asia in recent decades, Typhoon Yagi, has brought widespread devastation from severe flooding and landslides, especially to Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos. In response, Jesuit Mission Australia has activated its Emergency Action Fund to assist its local project partners’ enormous relief efforts for flood-affected areas.

In Myanmar, the situation is dire. The country has seen its worst flooding in recent history, with more than 420 deaths reported, the destruction of hundreds and thousands of homes and more than 630,000 people affected.

It’s a crushing setback to a nation with a third of its population already living in extreme need. More than 2.8 million people have been forced to flee their homes since 2021, due to political insecurity, while access to basics like education, health care and employment is severely limited.

There is an immediate need for food and relief supplies for flood victims and displaced families.

Project partner of Jesuit Mission and Regional Superior of Myanmar Fr Girish Santiago SJ recently visited severely flood-affected areas in Taungoo, Bago State, collaborating with leaders from different religious congregations and individuals committed to the common good to assist people in need.

‘There is an immediate need for food and relief supplies for flood victims and displaced families, as well as educational assistance for students and teachers in internally displaced camps,’ said Fr Santiago.

Flood-relief efforts in Myanmar will expand to cover seven states and regions, with specific attention being given to Myitkyina, Taungoo, Taunggyi, Loikaw and Hpa-an to assist 15,000 people over the next four months with food, medicine, shelter, livelihood support and education programs.

In Vietnam, more than 270 deaths are reported, with 74,500 people displaced. In response Catholic communities have rallied to provide emergency aid in the northern dioceses, where many isolated areas remain in desperate need of food and supplies.

‘This year has seen unprecedented damage. We will provide 6,000 packs of food supplies and drinking water to 6,000 families in these areas,’ said Fr Peter Phuc SJ, Head of the Jesuit Social Apostolate Ministry of the Vietnam Province.

Meanwhile, in Laos, severe flooding has damaged schools and homes, displacing more than 40,000 people, with many regions struggling to access clean water and food. Jesuits are organising immediate relief efforts and planning long-term recovery projects.

‘With help from the Australian community, we aim to reach 1,000 families in need with essential food supplies and assist in repairing at least four schools in affected areas, to restore children’s access to education,’ said Fr Hoàng Thanh Phong SJ.