Philippines: Caritas issues emergency appeal after floods devastate country

Up to 2.4 million people have fled their homes and at least 60 people are reported to have died in floods that have devastated much of Manila and neighboring provinces this week. Today, 10 August, the social action arm of the Philippines Catholic bishops' conference today launched an emergency appeal.

Father Edu Gariguez, executive secretary of the National Secretariat for Social Action-Caritas, said his office will use money collected on Palm Sunday to support emergency responses in dioceses affected by flooding.

"The initial fund support is intended to augment the financial capacity of dioceses to launch their respective relief operations. Other dioceses, which have more resources and can fully support their emergency operations, are encouraged to do so," he said.

Fr Gariguez, however, appealed for more help as dioceses report how they have been affected by the disaster, with several identified as needing immediate assistance.

At least 2,700 families have been affected by floods in Iba. In San Fernando and Pampanga province, 160 villages in 11 towns were still under water today. About 200 families were forced to seek shelter in Alaminos.

In Antipolo, about 25,000 people in the city of Marikina fled their homes, while 175 villages were flooded in Balanga and 121 in Malolos.

Fr Gariguez said his office is waiting for those dioceses not affected by the disaster to respond to the appeal for help.

As the waters started to recede today, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Counci says it has recorded 60 flood-related deaths in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

About 2.4 million people have been affected.

To make a donation see: www.caritas.org.ph/

Source: UCAN/Caritas Manila