Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangkok (Fides Service) - Father Paul Cherdchai Lertjitlekha, Vice Provincial of the Camillian Fathers Thailand sent this report on aid to victims of the 26 tsunami:
“Dear confreres and friends I am sure you have had the news of the disaster in south east Asia and our country Thailand in particular.
After trying unsuccessfully to have news we decided to set out with seven vehicles for the disaster areas. The mission was co-ordinated Camillian Hospital and the St Camillo Hospital. Our team consisted of 45 people: 4 doctors, 1 dentist, 15 nurses, the drivers and a support group. We loaded the van with medicine, medical equipment, water, tents and other necessities and went to Phangnga the worst hit. Our mobile team settled in Ban Bang Moung, Ta Kao Pa District, 800 km from Bangkok.
At the base camp at Bang Moung about 2000 live in tents and they had received many donations. We decided to go to another place not reached by state aid and made a camp at Bang Sak Village where there were 300 refugees living in tents in need of aid. We put up our tents next to theirs and stayed to help them for three days.
Nearly every family lost one or more relatives in the disaster. The stories we heard were very sad. They felt abandoned we were first relief workers to reach the area. We examined the children and elderly people and the most serious cases were sent to hospital. We went to other camps to give psychological counselling. In the afternoon we organised games for the children to help them get over their shock. We tried to see where and how we could help best.
From what I saw these people are still very afraid and many will never go back to their village. They have food, clothing, medicine and water. Aid keeps on arriving. To return home they will need houses, fishing equipment, boats, nets. In other words they have to rebuild their families.
We said that if the Thai Bishops Conference asked us to take long term care of a village we would do so. We saw organisations come and go but we said we will stay with the people until they can return to their homes which the government has promised to rebuild.
This report shows how we are helping the victims of this terrible disaster. We thank the many people who have written to voice sympathy and concern. We ask every to pray. Yours in Christ Paul Cherdchai Lertjitlekha, Vice Provincial” (AP) (13/1/2005 Agenzia Fides; Righe:45; Parole:610)
