Pope Benedict XVI has appealed for solidarity and assistance for victims of natural disasters in mainland China, Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan. “My thought goes out to the numerous populations who in recent days were struck by the violence of the typhoons in the Philippines, Taiwan, in some south-eastern provinces of the People’s Republic of China and in Japan,” he said.
“Japan was also put to the test by a mighty earthquake,” he noted.
The Pope was speaking to hundreds of pilgrims from many countries on Aug. 12 at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, a hill town south of Rome.
Typhoon Morakot (”morakot” means “emerald’ in Thai) slammed into Taiwan on Aug. 8, battering its eastern and southern regions. It was the most powerful storm to hit the country in half a century. The country’s Central Emergency Operation Center (CEOC) reported on Aug. 12 that at least 67 had been killed but that number rose considerably on Aug. 13 with reports of more than 100 deaths and 45 people injured.
The typhoon later swept into mainland China, south of Shanghai, on Aug. 9, forcing a million people to flee their homes for safety. Some deaths were reported, and hundreds of homes were swept away, while extensive infrastructure was also destroyed or damaged.
Typhoon Morakot also hit the Philippines, killing more than 20 people and causing much damage.
Japan, meanwhile, was hit by Typhoon Etau which slammed into the western part of the country on Aug. 10. At least 10 people were killed in raging floodwaters and landslides, and 10 others were missing according to police reports. On Aug. 9 and 10, strong earthquakes were also felt in Tokyo and surrounding areas. The second quake caused injuries to over 100 people and disrupted transportation services.
“I wish to manifest my spiritual closeness to all who have found themselves in conditions of serious problems,” Pope Benedict said. He invited everyone “to pray for them and for all who have lost their lives.”
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop John Hung of Taipei, has left the FABC plenary assembly to lead the Church’s response.
“I feel like a shepherd being called back to tend to his sheep,” Archbishop Hung told UCA News. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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