(ANS - Zagreb) - Following the flooding that hit the entire Balkan region, leaving dozens dead and causing enormous damage, the Provincial of Croatia, Fr Pejo Orkic wrote a letter to the Rector Major. This morning, 20 May, the General Council met to consider how they might help in this emergency situation. Fr Guillermo Basañes, Councillor for the Salesian Missions, had already been in touch with the Don Bosco Network, which is monitoring the situation on the spot.

Below is a heartfelt letter from Don Orkic:

Very Reverend Rector Major, Fr Ángel,
Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia are severely affected by the recent torrential rain. For five days and nights the rains have caused flooding and soil erosion. Of our Salesian houses the one most affected was the house in Zepce. Only with a superhuman effort and good organization were we able to save the house and the school from even greater damage.  The people of this part of Bosnia and Herzegovina have suffered terrible damage, and unfortunately there are also some who have died.

Here in Zagreb, we have launched solidarity initiatives to collect the aid and supplies necessary to assist those in the emergency centres. The confreres in Zepce try to help as much as possible by collecting food and making the school and house available for those in need of shelter. There is also flood damage in eastern Croatia and Bosnia and also in the North where many of our confreres come from. The solidarity of the people here is proof of their great generosity.

We are frightened at the thought of what is to come. Most of the people have lost all their possessions and ordinary life will be very difficult. Added to this is the severe economic situation. There is high unemployment and a recession that has already lasted four years. These are the consequences of the recent war that is now over, but the political, economic and social crisis is serious.

I take this opportunity to write to you, asking for assistance to enable us to help those most seriously affected to return to their homes  and resume a normal dignified life.

On behalf of all those affected by the disaster, I thank you sincerely.

We are preparing for the forthcoming Solemnity of Mary Help of Christians. I invoke her intercession and the blessing of God for you and the entire General Administration.

Affectionately in Christ and Don Bosco,
Fr Pejo Orkić, Provincial

Published 20/05/2014