Three days ago, typhoon Vamco killed 42 people with 20 missing. Many parts of Luzon are under water. In early November super typhoon Goni hit a country already reeling from the coronavirus pandemic.
Manila (AsiaNews/CBCP) - Caritas Philippines has asked the government of President Duterte to seek international help to cope with widespread flooding in many parts of the country caused by the latest typhoon.
“It is clear that we cannot do this alone,” said Fr Antonio Labiao, executive director of Caritas Philippines.
On Wednesday, Typhoon Vamco (locally called Ulysses) caused flooding in much of Luzon Island, including Metro Manila and Cagayan. Some 42 people have been reported dead with at least 20 missing.
The area was already counting the losses caused by Goni, the most powerful typhoon this year, which killed 25 people and destroyed thousands of homes.
“It is imperative that we leave no one behind. Let us all help each other. Let us save everyone. Every second counts. Every life matters,” Fr Labiao said.
The Church, the clergyman explained, especially the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, has mobilised all resources to reach the Cagayan Valley as quickly as possible.
However, the urgency of the situation requires greater mobilisation to reach hundreds of thousands of affected people.
Fr Labiao notes that typhoons have struck a country already reeling from the coronavirus pandemic. "We cannot do this without everyone's help," he said.