Relief efforts begin in wake of flooding in the Philippines

Disaster agencies are rushing to deliver body bags, food, water, and medicine to crowded evacuation centres in the southern Philippines after last weekend’s devastating flash floods. More than 600 people are confirmed dead, and hundreds more are missing in the aftermath of floods caused by Typhoon Washi.

The scale of the disaster – one of the worst to hit the Philippines in decades – has overwhelmed local authorities. The Secretary General of Caritas – Philippines, Father Edwin Gariguez, made an urgent appeal for aid: “We need all the help we can get, particularly from the Church.” He said, “I know in times of great calamity the Church will always be in solidarity with each other, and we count on that."

In his message after the Sunday Angelus, Pope Benedict expressed his concern for the victims of the flooding – especially for the children, the homeless, and those who remain missing. “I want to assure the populations of the southern Philippines, hit by a violent tropical storm, of my closeness,” he said. “I pray for the victims, mostly children, the homeless and the many missing”.

Father Garigues said that food supplies, safe drinking water, and medicine are among the most pressing needs for survivors.


Listen to the full interview of Father Edwing Gariguez with Christopher Wells: