Thailand: desperation and solidarity as floodwaters keep rising

Pathum Thani

Thousands have been forced to leave their homes as floodwaters began to engulf Bangkok this weekend. Father Adriano Pelosin from the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME) said: "I am currently at a shelter to offer psychological assistance to the victims of the flooding. There are people here on the verge of suicide, the situation is much more critical than in past years".

Fr Adriano, who has worked in Thailand for 33 years, said he counted more than a thousand people at a military compound which has been transformed into a shelter, in the north of the city.

He said: "Throughout Bangkok hundreds of thousands were forced from their homes, where in many areas the water was up to their necks. It is almost a miracle that our parish and house are not yet under water. Our area of Pathum Thani, in northern Bangkok, is entirely flooded".

All the displaced who are able to travel, have left the city for their villages in the countryside. The flooding is strongly affecting the economy: entire factories have been damaged, leaving thousands without jobs. The latest toll of the flooding, which since July 25 has hit 28 of the 77 provinces is of 342 dead.

"The national assistance and solidarity movement that has entered in action is incredible: from the government to the military and volunteers, all are joining efforts to halt the disaster and assist those affected", added the PIME missionary.

See also: ICN - Thailand: flood waters threaten children's home - no alligators yet! www.indcatholicnews.com/news.php?viewStory=19138

Source: Fides/TCT