Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
La Paz (Agenzia Fides) - The number of victims and evacuees in Bolivia continues to increase with the onslaught of floods caused by the natural phenomena, “La Niña,” that since November has left its mark on six of the nine Bolivian regions. According to the most recent statistics, up until now it has caused 50 deaths in addition to the 42,000 families left with injuries and severe damages. A total of about 350,000 persons have been affected.
Following a visit on Tuesday to the region affected, the nation’s president stated that the situation is obviously very serious, especially due to the fact that in many rural areas, there are not even landing areas for helicopters filled with food and medicine. The President held a meeting with the governors of the country’s nine regions, in the city of Santa Cruz, in order to assess and organise means of assistance to the victims.
UN organisations such as the World Food Program (WFP) and the governments of Venezuela, Cuba, Spain, Italy, Japan, Chile, the United States, and Argentina, among others, have manifested their support for Bolivia with economic donations and the delivery of supplies.
The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, has sent a donation of over 50,000 American dollars, through the Pontifical Council “Cor Unum” (one heart), for the victims of the natural disasters in Bolivia. “The Holy Father’s donation is an eloquent sign of his concern and care for the Bolivian people. This aid will be distributed, in the days to come, by the Bishops of the Dioceses most affected,” said Bishop Jesus Juarez Parraga, Bishop of the Diocese of El Alto, and Secretary General of the Bolivian Episcopal Conference.
Caritas of the Archdiocese of Cochabamba has begun a campaign to provide aid to those most in need in the country. Archbishop Tito Solari, of the Archdiocese of Cochabamba, sent a message from Rome, where he has been visiting in recent days, asking that the people provide support for their brothers who have been victims of the floods. “We cannot only observe the situation with curiosity,” he said, “Jesus never ignored human suffering. The Church has always maintained this spirit and is closely united to all those who suffer. May we also come together to offer a hand to those who suffer. We should create a chain of support and respond to the needs of the poorest of the poor. This is our opportunity to respond this Lent to the Pope’s call to open our hearts to those in need.” (RG)(Agenzia Fides 8/2/2008 righe 32, parole 417)
