Benedict XVI recalls the tsunami in the islands of Samoa and Tonga, the earthquake in Sumatra; the typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. He also prays for the flood victims in Sicily.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - In today's Angelus, Benedict XVI recalled the populations affected by natural disasters in the Pacific, in Southeast Asia and Italy, asking that “solidarity and international support is not lacking for these our brothers and sisters. "

"My thoughts - said the pope – turn to the peoples of the Pacific and South East Asia, hit in recent days by violent natural disasters: the tsunami in the Samoa and Tonga Islands, the typhoon in the Philippines, which later also affected Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, the devastating earthquake in Indonesia. These disasters have caused serious losses in human lives, many missing and homeless and extensive material damage. I think also of those who suffer because of the floods in Sicily, especially in the area of Messina. I invite you all to join me in praying for the victims and their loved ones. I am spiritually close to the displaced and to all those who are suffering, imploring God to relieve their pain. "

The earthquake in Sumatra has killed thousands and destroyed entire cities, the number of victims of the earthquake and tsunami in the islands Samoa and Tonga has arrived at more than 180, the tropical storm Ketsana has provoked hundreds of deaths in the Philippines , Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. In Sicily the floods of recent days have left at least 22 people dead.

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