WelCom October 2018:
Almost 500 hectares of corn fields were devastated in Ilagan, Isabela, after the onslaught of Typhoon Mangkhut in the province. A member of NASSA/Caritas Philippines’ emergency team assesses the damaged crops. Photo: Caritas Internationalis © All rights reserved
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is accepting donations towards a Rapid Response Appeal to support Caritas Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Mangkhut (local name, Ompong).
The typhoon, with a strength of Category 5 hurricane – the planet’s most intense storm this year – swept through the Philippines over the weekend of 15‒16 September, with over 4.3 million people in its path.
NASSA/Caritas Philippines is responding and is carrying out assessments of the impact. Heavy landslides, especially in the Cordillera and Nueva Vizcaya regions, have caused over 60 fatalities and many injuries. Initial assessments suggested that many houses have been damaged, with water and power lost in many affected areas.
The agricultural livelihood sector is believed to have been the hardest hit. Advisers in the Philippines estimate up to four-fifths of the rice and corn crops in the agricultural district of Cagayan were damaged or destroyed from wind and rain.
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Philippines as they seek to assess the impact of Typhoon Mangkhut. We particularly remember those families and communities that have lost loved ones,’ said Julianne Hickey, Director of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand.
Caritas invites New Zealanders to show solidarity with the Philippines and to donate to our General Emergency Fund. CANZ has sent assistance to Caritas Philippines for immediate response and is committed to support our relationship through long-term recovery efforts.
Donations can be made via the Caritas website: caritas.org.nz or by Internet banking into the Caritas Account: 03-0518-0211216-00; or by phone: 0800 22 10 22.