Caritas Manila has been giving out emergency food packs to flood victims.
Credits: Caritas Manila
Monsoon rains have caused deadly flooding in Manila in the Philippines and in other areas, affecting over a million people. The torrential down pour has cause widespread damage to homes and infrastructure.
Over 130,000 people have sought safety in evacuation centres, while tens of thousands more others are staying with friends or family. Landslides and debris have made some roads impassable, making it difficult to reach some of the hardest hit areas.
Diocesan Caritas say the immediate needs are water, blanket, sleeping mats, clothing, and ready-to-eat foods. They have already been able to provide some emergency packs, including rice, canned goods, noodles and water.
Metro Manila has been particularly badly hit. Caritas Philippines (known locally as NASSA) Church affiliate-partner, Caritas Manila has been giving out emergency food packs to those in need.
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle of Manila said on his radio broadcast, “I’m appealing to everyone, let us help one another in little or big ways to lessen the pain of those who have suffered from this bad weather.”
Caritas Philippines staff are working with Catholic Relief Services (CRS is a US Caritas member) to assess the damage and put together a humanitarian response. Their plan is to provide food to 14,600 families in Bulacan, Cavite and Laguna.
For further information please contact Patrick Nicholson on +39 06 6987 9725 or by e-mail at [email protected].