ASIA/PHILIPPINES - A Camillian tells Fides his testimony: “We thank God that we are still alive, but we are in urgent need of everything.”

Manila (Agenzia Fides) - “We thank God that we are still alive, but we are in urgent need of everything: food, medicine, cooking utensils, eating utensils, mattresses, blankets, and construction materials to rebuild houses and workplaces,” Fr. Domingo S. Barawid, MI, Pastor in Boso-Boso. After the floods that have devastated the Philippines in recent days, Agenzia Fides received the testimony of a Camillian, Fr. Sam Cuarto, with an update on the situation in Balubad, in Marikina City: “As of today, September 29, the number of dead from Typhoon Ondoy is at 230, while the property damage is estimated to be at 2.4 billion Pesos. At least 40 people are mission. In Tamay, the majority of the neighborhoods have been flooded. The Governor of Rizal said that many residents are still missing. There have also been deaths registered in Batangas and Laguna. In Manila, at least 10 people have died, including a father and son killed by a wall that collapsed on them. There are still many unaccounted for. The water is going down in the areas of Makati, Mandaluyong, Las Pinas, Paranque, Manila, and several areas of Pasig, although 40% of Manila is still submersed by water, according to the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). Many residents in Manila are still waiting to for rescue aid. At least 374,000 people have been affected by the flooding. The majority of them live in the larger cities. Entire communities are flooded by impetuous waters. The majority of Manila is still without electricity, due to fallen transmission lines. The citizens are living in various centers of evacuation, the majority of them lacking in clothing and food. Although rescue efforts have been sent by various agencies, the supplies are not enough to attend to all the needs of the flood victims. There are over 600 evacuation centers. School has been canceled for the time being.” Of the 180 families in the rehabilitation program in St. Camillus, Medhaven (Marikina), 40 families have been affected in the Balubad area of Marikina City. Marikina is one of the most effected in Manila Metro Area. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 5/10/2009)