Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Fides Service) - A chain of solidarity is being organised to provide aid for victims of the tropical storms which struck the eastern part of the island of Luzon, the largest of the archipelago, on which the capital Manila is situated. Three coastal towns of Real, Infanta and General Nakar and many villages were heavily affected by typhoons and torrential rains caused floods and landslides.
More than 1,000 people are reported dead or missing and the tragedy has affected at least 40,000 families. Although rescue workers have been joined by the army, operations are hampered by persistent bad weather. For days army and civil helicopters were employed only to transport the dead.
Schools and public offices are closed and thousands of people have been forced to abandon their homes. Damages to property, productive activities and agriculture are estimated around one billion dollars.
Caritas Internationalis network of 162 national Caritas offices has launched an emergency aid programme. Urgent necessities include food, clothing and blankets and also medicines seeing the danger of cholera epidemics. Caritas Australia is arranging the distribution of food and medicine to the nine affected dioceses.
Pope John expressed his grief in addressed a letter of condolence to the Bishops of the Philippines and assured the victims and their families of his prayers. The letter was written on his behalf by Secretary of State Cardinal Angelo Sodano. According to Archbishop Fernando Capalla in the letter the Pope also expressed his closeness to civil and religious authorities and those affected by the disaster, and prayed that almighty God would grant peace and comfort to the homeless, the suffering and the rescue workers engaged in a difficult task.
Local Churches in many parts of the world are asking people to pray for the victims and support solidarity programmes. The Committee for Charity in Developing Countries of the Italian Bishops’ Conference is sending one million Euro to help flood victims in the Philippines .
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 6/12/2004 righe 33 parole 342)
