Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Valparaiso (Agenzia Fides) - The Parish of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, entrusted to the Congregation of the Mission, of the Vincentian Family, is responsible for the pastoral zone of Cerro Mariposa. The parish priest, Fr. Jorge Manriquez, has been accompanying the people affected by the fires and has hosted a couple of families in the Chapel of the Blessed Laura Vicuña, located in Alto del Cerro Mariposa.
As we know from the news, many fires have affected the Province of Valparaiso. However, it is the area of Cerro Mariposa del Puerto that has been most affected by the tragedy. Due to the wind and the topography of Valparaiso, the fire that had affected an area of Laguna Verde turned upwards into a higher area, reaching several homes. Here, at least 15 families have lost everything.
Fr. Manriquez reported that government help arrived immediately, but they are still in need of help from everyone, especially for clothing and bedding needed to replace all that has been burned. There is also an urgent need for diapers for the many children who have lost everything.
The Director of the Regional Emergency Office, Sergio Maza, reported that hundreds of residents were evacuated from their homes in areas deemed at risk. The flames have caused a breakdown in communication and electricity services in various parts of Valparaiso.
From the latest news of other agencies, we have learned that thousands of acres of land near the tourist center of Valparaiso, west of the capital Santiago, have been burned and firefighters continue to fight against forest fires that have destroyed at least twenty homes in Valparaiso, one of Chile's port cities. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 28/12/2009)
