Church agencies rush aid to thousands of Philippine flood victims

(December 20, 2011) Church agencies teamed with international aid groups and the Philippine government to assist tens of thousands of people left homeless in the southern island of Mindanao by flash flooding caused by an intense tropical storm that left nearly 1000 people dead. The tropical storm dubbed Washi unleashed floods and landslides as people slept in their homes across northern Mindanao Friday night. The national disaster agency said 957 were killed and 49 were missing, with most of the casualties in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. More than 338,000 people are affected by the disaster, with nearly 43,000 in evacuation centres. Catholic Relief Services of the U.S. Catholic bishops, which sent a team of eight workers from Davao City, and other aid agencies met on Monday at the residence of Archbishop Antonio Ledesma of Cagayan de Oro to coordinate their response with the government. Caritas Manila, Church-run Radio Veritas and the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines' national social action secretariat have appealed for relief supplies, clothing and money from dioceses across the country. Manila Archbishop has taken up collection at Masses through Christmas for survivors. Caritas Australia also announced the opening of an appeal for flood victims. Pope Benedict XVI on Sunday assured the people of the Philippines of his prayers for the victims, many of whom are children, for the homeless and the numerous people who are missing.