Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) - Typhoon Durian was a message from God “a warning about what happens when natural resources are misused and maltreated by human negligence”. Archbishop Angel Lagdameo of the diocese of Jaro, president of the Philippines Catholic Bishops’ Conference, said this, as rescue work continues to save people affected by a violent typhoon now on its way towards Vietnam and Thailand. The estimated death toll is 1,000 and 31 villages have suffered damages.
The Archbishop, speaking to Radio Veritas, replies to people asking why does God allow such things to happen: It is Almighty God not man who has control of nature and disasters are the result of a lack of respect and indiscriminate destruction of the environment. The consequences of the typhoon were serious because “our natural resources are maltreated by men”, especially illegal deforestation which led to the mount Mayon mudslide.
“The typhoon was a signal sent from God to tell us that perhaps we are doing something wrong in our country”, said another Bishop Oscar Cruz, of the diocese of Lingayen-Dagupan. “There is a reason for everything: God commands creation and creatures. There is no such thing a good and bad luck, which would mean that God has no control over man, nature and events”.
The local Caritas office says transport of humanitarian aid is still difficult. In the 16 affected dioceses Caritas offices are fully involved with volunteers and social services. Many Catholic schools are offering shelter to homeless victims. In the most affected diocese Legazpi, over 3,700 displaced families are assisted by Caritas. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 5/12/2006 righe 27 parole 278)
