by JB. VU

There have been 79 deaths and thousands of people left homeless, without food and drinking water. But there were no plans of prevention or intervention. The archbishop has visited families and asked priests and faithful to raise funds and organize themselves to prevent similar disasters.

Hanoi (AsiaNews) - Pounding rains over the past few weeks have struck the northern regions of Vietnam, and especially Hanoi, causing the death of 79 people. Countless people have suffered damages, and the people are unable to go to work or provide food for themselves. Many have remained without drinking water, and the schools have been closed.

In the face of this dramatic situation, the municipal authorities have demonstrated a total lack of concern for the good of the people. They had no plan of preparation, no emergency assistance teams, no social action to aid the population. They are concerned only about economic development and profit. They do not invest in human development and social activities for prevention.

The archbishop of Hanoi, Ngo Quang Kiet, has visited many families. An elderly woman tells AsiaNews that "my family was unable to leave the house for three days. They had nothing to eat, no water to drink. It's the first time that Hanoi has seen a 'deluge'. When Bishop Ngo Quang Kiet visited our family and encouraged us, I felt peace in my heart. Many people in the area were truly moved when the bishop came to us. He came in a difficult situation."

Many public places and homes have been flooded. Many homes have been destroyed or damaged. In the countryside, farmers have lost their entire harvest. The losses have been very substantial. The people will need to work extremely hard to address the consequences.

The archbishop has written a letter to the priests, religious, missionaries, and faithful. "May priests organize collections at parishes quickly. Parishioners should be generous in contributing and providing relief for the victims to overcome the material and spiritual difficulties. It is certain that the flood is affecting all of us, especially since we are facing the difficulties of the economic situation nowadays. So we protect and help one another in time of distress. We show the humanity of Christians and the mutual affection of fellow citizens of the nation."

Archbishop Kiet then urges "participation in the prevention of flooding, maintenance of dykes, and saving persons. With the contribution of everyone, we can prevent disasters, and not allow damages to possessions and human life any more."

• vietnam
• flooding
• rains
• hanoi
• catholic
• church
• bishop