Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Pourcine (Agenzia Fides) - "We have survived the first hurricane of the season and despite significant damage to crops and the most fragile houses... but we are still alive, thank God," said Father Massimo Miraglio, a Camillian of Italian origin, to Fides from the Caribbean island hit this month by the first Category 5 hurricane. Due to the serious crisis and the ongoing conflicts on the island, Father Massimo was only able to return a few weeks ago to the remote village of Pourcine, where he is parish priest of the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
UNICEF estimates that "winds, torrential rains and flash floods could endanger at least 3 million children in the Caribbean." "Strong winds, storm surges and heavy rains have damaged safe places for children, including homes and schools. Latin America and the Caribbean are the second most disaster-affected region in the world," says the UN organization's study. In the Caribbean, 1.9 million people, including half a million children and young people, are affected by disasters every year. Small island and developing states in the Caribbean are particularly vulnerable due to their small size and extreme exposure to natural disasters and the effects of climate change.
Pourcine is located in the mountains and is very difficult to reach. The municipality where the new parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help is located consists of a village and 17 hamlets. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 5/7/2024)
