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 the Emergency Action Fund to assist its 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 over 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 one third of its population already living in extreme need. More than 2.8 million have been forced to flee their homes since 2021, due to political insecurity, while access to basics like education, healthcare and employment is severely limited.

Our project partner and Regional Superior of Myanmar, Fr Girish Santiago SJ, recently visited severe 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 (IDP)," said Fr Girish Santiago SJ, Regional Superior of Myanmar.

Thanks to your generosity, flood relief efforts in Myanmar will expand to cover seven states, with specific attention to Myitkyina (Kachin), Taungoo (Bago), Taungyyi (Shan), to assist 15,000 vulnerable people over the next four months with food, medicine, shelter, livelihood support and education programs.

In Vietnam over 270 deaths are reported, with 74,500 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 6000 packs of food supplies and drinking water to 6000 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 over 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.

To support Jesuit Mission’s Emergency Action Fund donate at the link below.