On Monday, September 21st, the people of Majuro were struck by an entirely unexpected storm, which wreaked havoc on their population of approximately 20,000 people. Fr Tamati Sefo MSC writes from the Parish of Our Lady of Assumption, which is located in Majuro, the capital of the Marshall Islands, out in the Pacific Ocean.
“The storm struck Majuro on September 21st at around 1.00pm,” Fr Tamati explains, writing from the Province of the Pacific Islands. “There was no warning from the Meteorological Office before the storm – it came all of a sudden and lasted for four hours.”
“People were not prepared. Students at school were shocked. Many said this was a very frightening experience because strong storms rarely happen in the Marshall Islands.”
“Roofs from houses were flying everywhere. Some big trees fell. Houses belonging to our parishioners have been destroyed.”
“As I write, I do not have confirmation of the number of homes affected, but we know that at least seven of our parishioners have experienced severe damage to their houses. We are currently trying to help those affected in by providing food, water, clothes, and other essential items.”
Thanks to the generosity of our mission friends and benefactors here at home, we are able to support Fr Tamati and the community in the Marshall Islands with the provision of emergency aid for those affected by the storm. “I am writing with my gratitude to benefactors of the Irish Province of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart at this challenging time. This storm might not be that powerful compared to a typhoon or a cyclone, but is has really done a lot of damage to small family houses and old buildings where ordinary members of the community live. We are truly grateful for your kindness.”
