Philippines: Powerful Typhoon Rai causes massive damage

Maasin, capital of Southern Leyte province, was one of the areas hardest hit by Typhoon Rai. Photo credit: Caritas Maasin.

Typhoon Rai (known locally as Typhoon Odette) made landfall in the Philippines on 16 December, causing widespread damage. More than 375 people are thought to have lost their lives. Hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated from their homes - many seeking refuge in churches or evacuation centres - and the typhoon's strong winds and storm surges brought down trees, power lines and destroyed homes, schools and hospitals.

Described as one of the world's strongest storms of 2021, Typhoon Rai had sustained winds of over 195 mph near the centre, and gusts of up to 270 mph.

Coastal areas were hit hardest. The villages and towns in the typhoon's path faced strong winds, falling trees, landslides and flash flooding. Millions of people have been affected - with thousands injured, made homeless and livelihoods lost.

Our local Caritas sister agency, Caritas Philippines, is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the dioceses along the path of the typhoon.

As those affected prepare for a difficult Christmas, please pray for the people of the Philippines.

Power lines have been damaged, uprooted trees still block roads, and flood waters remain high in some areas - making communications challenging. Initial reports and assessments from local dioceses show there are urgent needs for: drinking water, food packages, hygiene kits, temporary shelter for people who have lost their homes and support to repair damaged homes.

CAFOD has pledged £40,000 to support Caritas Philippines in their response, helping provide urgent humanitarian assistance to those affected by Typhoon Rai.

In a country where 80 per cent of people are Catholic, local churches have played a crucial role in helping people prepare for typhoons.

Rhea Tariq, CAFOD's Head of Humanitarian Response said: "The Filipino people are facing up to yet another terrible storm. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time. We know our local experienced Caritas partners will be on the ground to provide immediate humanitarian assistance - doing all they can to support families in need."

The Philippines is hit by around 20 typhoons per year - but some recent storms have been particularly devastating. In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines, destroying homes, livelihoods and killing over 6,000 people. In November 2020, the Philippines was hit by two record-breaking typhoons that caused widespread destruction.

Good preparation can help to limit their impact. One positive legacy of Typhoon Haiyan is that the Philippines government and our Church partners have become better prepared for disasters.

CAFOD has asked readers to pray for the people of the Philippines. If you would like to make a donation to their work click here: https://cafod.org.uk/donations/picker?singleamount=25&regularamount=7&defaultuniversaltype=single&_Appeal=21906