Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Chiapas (Agenzia Fides) – Caritas Mexico has sent Fides a copy of the appeal made by Bishop Felipe Arizmendi, Bishop of the Diocese of San Cristobal de Las Casas (Mexico), calling for more help for local poor people who are suffering from the numerous damages caused by torrential rains last week.
More than 30 have died from several landslides and flooding rivers in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas. According to the report from Civil Protection, the latest landslide was recorded at Villa Hidalgo Yalalag, Oaxaca, where a man of 80 years and his wife, age 68, were buried alive.
Bishop Felipe Arizmendi has personally visited the area, thanks to prompt government efforts to clear the streets and allow the arrival of aid. "I saw volunteers helping to remove mud from the houses and bring aid to the elderly," said the Bishop in his letter. "We have received reports of damages in Amatán, Chilo, Bachajón, Pantelhó, Venustiano Carranza, Ocosingo, and Petalcingo, especially in human lives, and suppose that there are still many places from which we have received no news, simply because they are isolated. Many roads are are now blocked. What is happening in the area is most unfortunate and we cannot leave these people on their own," concluded Bishop Arizmendi. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 04/10/2010)
