Volunteers of the inter-faith disaster response group Dambana prepare relief goods for typhoon victims. (Photo by Mark Saludes)
Thousands still in need of help following destructive Christmas Eve storm
Church groups in the Philippines have appealed for aid for victims of Typhoon Nock-ten that struck parts of the country on Christmas Eve.
Father Anton Pascual, executive director of Caritas Manila, said about US$10,000 have already been allocated to provide food, medicine, and housing materials to affected families.
The priest said more donations are needed to help devastated areas in the Bicol and Southern Tagalog regions.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that up to US$104.1 million worth of damage was caused by the typhoon.
It said at least 110,008 houses, schools, and health facilities were destroyed and some 600,000 individuals from 1,612 villages were affected.
“Caritas Manila appeals for donations in cash and in kind for the relief and rehabilitation needs of our people,” said Father Pascual.
Pastor Rex Reyes, secretary-general of the Protestant group, National Council of Churches in the Philippines, said the organization is sending food packs and hygiene kits to poor villages.
The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer or Redemptorist congregation is sending solar lamps to villages that lost electricity.
Father Rex Paul Arjona, executive director of the social action center of Legazpi Diocese, also appealed for donations especially for poor communities.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has already launched a campaign that aims to raise at least US$1.5 million for disaster victims.
UCAN 4 January 2017
