Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) - Caritas and other Catholic aid organisations are in front line to assist the victims of typhoon Durian which recently hit east Philippines in the area of the Mayon volcano. The International Red Cross organisations fears at least 1,000 lives were lost when the area was covered with a river of mud. The official toll is 425 dead and at least 600 missing. President Gloria Arroyo declared a state of natural calamity mobilising the army and civil protection.
Among the first to act Caritas Australia which started a collection for people who have lost their homes, fields, work and property. Caritas Australia is working with Caritas Philippines and the Social Service Office of the diocese of Legazpi (the affected area). The organism has a dense network of operators in situ who are locating families in need to arrange distribution of aid which is starting to arrive despite difficulties since the typhoon destroyed most communications. “The greatest difficulty is how to reach isolated areas, say aid workers charged with supplying food, tents and medicines”.
Strong winds and heavy rains caused a mudslide on the slopes of the Mayon volcano, affecting a number of villages, destroying crops, over 150,000 homes and leaving at least 15,000 people homeless.
Pope Benedict XVI sent a telegramme of sympathy through the Nuncio commending “the deceased to the loving mercy of Almighty God, and upon their grieving families and all those injured he invokes divine strength and comfort” assuring prayers for “rescue workers and all involved in providing practical assistance to the victims of this disaster, encouraging them to persevere in their efforts to bring relief and support”.
Durian is the 4th typhoon to hit east Philippines in three months. The category 5 typhoon with winds over 200km per hour, caused an eruption of Mayon volcano. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 4/12/2006 righe 27 parole 276)
