Jim Murphy MP praises Catholic response to Typhoon Haiyan

Jim Murphy, Bishop John Arnold

Fresh from his first overseas visit as the new Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, Jim Murphy MP has hailed the response of CAFOD and its local Church partners to the Philippines Typhoon Haiyan.

Speaking on his return, Mr Murphy said: “It’s clear that the Church has given not just emotional and pastoral support, but enormous logistical support. The Church was here when it happened; it will be here long after everyone else has gone. One of the priests I met said they may be homeless and they may be roofless, but they’re not hopeless. Many people here get that hope from their faith.”

“My message to CAFOD supporters is that your money will make a difference. It’s clear now, even three weeks into this operation, that this will take months if not years. We need to ensure that our commitment to this area outlasts the shock that we all felt. A small amount of money can make a massive difference."

“The aid workers are working with local communities to pick up the pieces. Long after the cameras are gone they will still be here. Giving up their Christmases, missing New Year and staying in the most cramped and uncomfortable conditions imaginable. The people of this island the best help in the world, the one saving grace is that they have it - and they‘ll need it for a long time to come.”

Jim Murphy was accompanied on his visit to Leyte Island by Chair of CAFOD Trustees, Bishop John Arnold, and Matthew Carter, Head of CAFOD's Humanitarian Department. They visited CAFOD’s emergency projects in Palo, one of the towns worst hit by the typhoon.

The town of Palo was virtually flattened by the typhoon and the accompanying storm surge – a 12-foot wall of water that caused devastation as it swept inland. Winds of 200 mph ripped off roofs, shattered windows and sent iron sheets and panes of glass hurtling through the air.

Bishop Arnold said: “We saw the devastation here, which is 100 per cent – not a single building without substantial damage. But we also saw smiling people who are so grateful for the relief they’re receiving. People are saying: we’re not finished, we’re not down and out, we’re getting on with it. How do you do that in the face of losing everything?"

He praised the overwhelming generosity and compassion of the Catholic schools, parishes and individuals across England and Wales who have supported CAFOD's appeal.

“I think the Catholic community in England and Wales and many others beyond have been magnificent in their instant response, and we’ve seen here how that response is being put to work in a very practical way. It’s very encouraging. I’m lost for words.”

People in Palo are slowly beginning to move back into what remains of their homes. But with water supplies and sewage systems destroyed, and with dead bodies still being found in the debris, it is a race against time to prevent the spread of disease.

CAFOD is working with its American sister agency, Catholic Relief Services, and with the local Church in Palo to ensure that clean drinking water is available: distributing water through huge rubber 'bladders' filled from lorries; distributing soap and water purification tablets as part of hygiene kits; and supporting local communities in improving sanitation, including employing local carpenters to build new latrines.

Crucial to CAFOD's response is an army of Church volunteers, who lead the clean-up effort, pack food, organise distributions and ensure that the aid gets through to the most vulnerable people in remote communities.

Matthew Carter said: "Strong relationships with organisations that have local knowledge are key to an effective humanitarian response. This has been at the heart of CAFOD's approach for years: we don't try to impose our own solutions, but instead work side by side with local people on the ground.

"I’m proud of how we're working in partnership with our Church partners in the Philippines, who really are on the front line of the relief effort. I'm also very proud of the professionalism and expertise of our own staff on the ground. It’s been a very humbling week.

“I was shocked by the level of destruction on Leyte Island. In some ways, I found it more shocking than the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, which wiped away everything and left the land relatively clear. Here, it was more like a nuclear bomb had gone off – there was just debris everywhere. Driving west from Tacloban across the island, following the path of the storm, you could see that it had obliterated almost everything.

"But I was also amazed by how resilient people are, rebuilding their lives. We have a huge amount to learn from people in the Philippines – from their dignity, their courage and their faith. I was blown away by the ability of the local Church to put that faith into action. It’s been one of the most moving aspects of my career to see how active the Church is here, and how it’s providing support to those who need it most."

To date, the CAFOD Philippines Haiyan appeal has raised over £2.5 million. These donations mean that CAFOD's partners and staff can continue working around the clock to reach those in need.