Mark Raper, President of the Jesuit Conference of East Asia and Oceania, reports:

We have all been moved by the suffering of the Burmese people who were struck by Cyclone Nargis two weeks ago. The tidal waters are slowly receding. Immense destruction and loss of life is reported on a larger scale than the Pakistan earthquake. Although we may feel helplessness in the face of this crisis, there are things that we can do. The Society has an immense network and we have Jesuit Refugee Service set up to assist at a time like this.

A large scale relief action by the Catholic Church in Myanmar is now underway. The Jesuits are supporting this through training, financial assistance, personnel, and communications. The Caritas partner for Myanmar has set up a relief base in the grounds of the Archbishop's house in Yangon. Many religious, including the Jesuits, are members of the teams that are going out to the affected people. JRS will readily receive assistance and channel this to the places where it is needed. Caritas, as usual, is also one of the most reliable channels to offer assistance.

The needs are long term. Stages of assistance will be spelled out over the next weeks. First, of course, comes immediate relief and training of a network of Church workers. Then will come medium term assistance, such as giving local community assets, for example, raised platforms for the communities to take shelter. Long term assistance will involve community support, counselling and development activities.

Mark Raper,
President of the Jesuit Conference of East Asia and Oceania

May 15, 2008