Manila (AsiaNews / Agencies) - In the capital destroyed by tropical storm Ketsana, Caritas is providing assistance to the amount of 30 million Philippine pesos (437mila Euros) for more than 10 thousand displaced families. The new program was announced on 2 October and includes the distribution of food aid worth 2 thousand pesos (30 Euros) to each family. In addition to a 5kg bag of rice, parcels containing canned food, cooking utensils, mosquito nets and other equipment necessary for survival. The initiative has already been active for several days in four dioceses of Manila metropolitan area.

"These aid packages are sufficient for a month, unlike other aid that only lasts for a few days," said Sr. Roseanne Mallillin, head of the National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA). In addition to the beneficiaries of the program, Caritas distributed food to 55 thousand families in other provinces affected by the flood.

On September 26 the passage of tropical storm Ketsana claimed more than 300 lives, injured thousands and displaced 1.8 million people, submerging 80% of the capital. In 50 provinces affected property damage amounts so far to 74 million Euros.