Typhoon Yagi and Lebanon emergency response

Typhoon Yagi, one of the strongest storms to hit Southeast Asia in decades, brought severe flooding and landslides, especially to Myanmar, Vietnam and Laos.

Tragically, hundreds of lives were lost, thousands of people displaced and countless homes, schools and businesses were destroyed. Many people across the region were left struggling to access food and clean water.

Assisted by our Emergency Action Fund, our local Jesuit partners in Myanmar, Vietnam, and Laos worked with people of all faiths to deliver essential relief to those in urgent need.

"I witnessed how the Catholic and Buddhist faiths met, as persons of goodwill to love and serve the neediest flood-affected displaced persons. I was truly touched by how faith moves mountains to serve all without any discrimination, with compassion," said Fr Girish Santiago SJ, Regional Superior of Myanmar.

Lebanon Emergency - Sheltering Hope

Generous contributions to the Emergency Action Fund have also helped our local partner, Jesuit Refugee Service Lebanon, with the support of Middle East & North Africa (JRS MENA), provide urgent relief to over 12,000 displaced people in southern Lebanon.

As the crisis in the Middle East continues, airstrikes have forced many families in southern Lebanon to flee their homes. Alongside these locals, already vulnerable migrant workers and Syrian refugees have also been displaced.

With a harsh winter fast approaching, JRS Lebanon has provided much needed food, hygiene kits and winter essentials to over 6,000 families by December, reaching an additional 1,000 per week.

At the Jesuit Church of St Joseph, the Arrupe Migrant Centre has been fitted out with beds and mattresses, in order to provide a safe haven for migrants and refugees who have been turned away from other shelters.

Additionally, JRS MENA is offering protection and psychological support for vulnerable people and families – especially children – dealing with the trauma of conflict and displacement.

Reflections Summer #634

This month's eNews stories are part of our Reflections Summer publication #634.

Click here to read the latest edition of Reflections to see how your compassion is empowering lives around the world.