Pope Leo XIV expresses his closeness and assures his prayers for the millions of people affected by heavy flooding in various parts of Southeast Asia in recent weeks.
By Devin Watkins
Over 1,500 people have been killed in recent days in several parts of Southeast Asia due to catastrophic floods and landslides.
The current death toll stands at 883 people killed in Indonesia, 486 in Sri Lanka, 185 in Thailand, and 3 in Malaysia.
On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV prayed for the victims of the natural disaster and the families who mourn their loved ones.
Speaking at the Angelus prayer, the Pope urged the international community to show concrete signs of solidarity through humanitarian aid.
“I am close to the peoples of South and Southeast Asia, who have been severely tested by the recent natural disasters,” he said. “I pray for the victims, for the families who mourn their loved ones, and for all those who are providing assistance. I urge the international community and all people of good will to support our brothers and sisters in those regions with concrete gestures of solidarity.”
Local Church’s solidarity
Emergency crews continue to assist people struck by last week’s flooding.
Reports say many villages in Sri Lanka and Indonesia remain buried under mud and debris, and around 900 people are still missing in the two countries.
In response, the Capuchin friars in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, welcomed families displaced by the flooding into their monasteries.
Speaking to the Vatican’s Fides news agency, Fr. Yoseph Norbert Sinaga, Provincial Superior of the Capuchin Friars Province in Sibolga, said the worst is over, but added that the humanitarian emergency has just begun due to the many people left homeless.
Numerous people were killed in the Diocese of Sibolga after Tropical Cyclone Senyar brought torrential rains.
“Now we are suffering from the lack of water and electricity, but above all, the lack of drinking water is a serious problem,” said Fr. Sinaga. “Even we, in the monasteries, don’t have water and must collect it from springs in the forest.”
“Now our brothers and sisters need immediate help,” said the Capuchin friar. “Later, we will also try to help rebuild their homes.”
