At least 320,000 people have been displaced by flooding in Myanmar. The death toll is over 100 and rising. Typhoon Yagi struck Vietnam on 7 September, then moved westward into Myanmar, triggering severe flooding in several parts of Myanmar. Livestock, crops, and homes were swept away as local communities battled to move people and belongings to higher ground.

Myanmar, already mired in conflict, can least afford to deal with a disaster like widespread flooding.

AID’s partner, the Church of the Province of Myanmar (CPM), is already responding in at least two affected dioceses: Taungoo and Mandalay. People in Taungoo have experienced continuous rain before, but this time it is different. The rains are relentless, dams have been bursting, and the situation has become unmanageable. People are without electricity or phone coverage. One man had to be rescued after being bitten by a snake. Water levels rose to double the height of people, trapping many in their homes. While rescuing others, one CPM disaster response volunteer fell from a tractor, hit his head, and was swept away (killed) by floodwaters. Rescue operations were temporarily stopped on Sunday to pray for the 25-year-old from the St Paul’s Cathedral, Taungoo, youth department.

Many Anglicans are counted among the dead and displaced in Myanmar. For their relief phase, CPM plans to distribute clean drinking water, food, medicine, and non-food supplies (likely to include blankets, clothes, fuel for generators, and women’s hygiene kits). These will go to those most in need, regardless of faith.

The Church has already relocated 600 people to rescue centres, which include churches and the Taungoo diocesan compound.

ABM AID has launched an appeal to support CPM’s flood relief initiative in Myanmar. We aim to raise AUD$ 25,000. Please give generously.

 

Prayer

for People Affected by Typhoon Yagi and related Flooding

Australians are no strangers to floods, Lord, and our friends in Southeast Asia have been affected by Typhoon Yagi. We remember them and pray particularly for people in the dioceses of Taungoo and Mandalay in Myanmar. 

Despite the lack of motorised boats, may rescue come swiftly for those trapped in their homes, or worse, in trees. We ask for your protection to wrap itself around all those in danger and for your defence to be with all those who volunteer to help. May no more of them lose their lives. 

We remember, too, the diaspora of people who come from Myanmar but live here among us. May their families and friends be safe. 

May the waters shrink back to their normal courses as soon as possible.

We ask you this through the Spirit in Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

AID asks you to donate responsibly.

For more information see https://donateresponsibly.org/

Photo captions: Photos of the flooding in Taungoo Diocese, including the Cathedral of St Paul’s. (C) CPM. Used with permission.