Martin’s story

Martin is 12 years old and lives in a small jungle in Myanmar.

“The things I really like about living here in the village are catching crabs and swimming in the river. I eat crabs and I get pocket money for them.”

Many women and children in Myanmar cover their faces with a paste called thanaka.

When Martin was six, his village was struck by Cyclone Nargis.

“I can remember Nargis. At four o’clock strong winds came and we took shelter in the school. I can remember people crying out. I felt very scared. All I could hear was the howling voice of the wind and rain. The school swayed with the wind and I was afraid it would fall down.”

“After 14 hours, the storm was over. When we went outside, I could see everything was crushed. It looked like all our houses and roads had never been there. I went to find my possessions but there was nothing left.”

CAFOD worked together with Martin’s village to rebuild their lives.

In Martin’s school, children are taught what to do during a storm.

The entire community take part in an emergency drill, so they can act quickly when a disaster comes.

“My message to children in England and Wales if Nargis was to come to them: I would suggest children run. Run and hide under a strong building.”

The changing climate is making life harder for people across the world. What do you do to take care of the environment? In what ways are Martin and his village preparing for a future storm? Why is it important for CAFOD to support Disaster Risk Reduction work? What can you Cut Out this Lent to support communities like Martin’s?

Photos: Ben White Illustrations: Daniela Guglielmetti