'I’ve never seen such horrific and terrible damage as these torrential rains have created throughout the Zumalai region in Timor-Leste. The people here are now afraid of further landslides as they deal with the devastating damage to their homes, roads, and communities.' Fr Bruce Clark (Prior Provincial) was speaking about the recent devastating floods that have hit many parts of Timor-Leste, including our own parish of Zumalai. The extreme flooding in Timor-Leste has wrought wide-spread destruction of homes, crops and roads in 9 out of 13 municipalities. Many people in our parish of Zumalai have been badly affected and at least one of our primary schools has been damaged by flood water.
More than 200 homes have been destroyed, washed away or rendered unsafe, including those belonging to 11 of our teachers. Hundreds of families have been displaced and have taken refuge in the local school. At least 3 bridges in the area are close to collapse and inaccessible and many roads have been washed away. Rice and vegetable crops have been destroyed.
Brothers Antonio and Silvestre are going from village to village on motorbike checking on the people and providing immediate care where they can. See photos below.
Can you help us? We need to urgently provide
- food and safe drinking water
- clothes, sanitation items & material aid for those in shelters
- materials for families to rebuild their homes, and
- help for communities to rebuild damaged infrastructure
Donate now at www.carmelimpact.org.au
Thank you!
