Typhoon Fengshen: CAFOD partners assisting

A vendor wades through knee-deep floodwaters as a bus passes after Typhoon Fengshen pelted Metro Manila with torrential rain and high winds June 22, 2008 [REUTERS/Cheryl Ravelo, courtesy www.alertnet.org]

CAFOD partners in the Philippines are helping those affected by the devastating typhoon which swept across the country on Saturday, June 21

Reports coming in show that Typhoon Fengshen covered almost the entire country and caused severe flooding in all areas that it passed through.

It is known to have directly claimed 288 lives, but in addition hundreds more died when a ferry capsized during the storm.

One million affected

The most heavily affected areas are the Archdioceses of Jaro, Capiz, and Cotabato, plus the Diocese of Antique.

It is believed up to one million people have been affected, with many evacuated from their homes. Major roads are blocked and there have been widespread power cuts.

At its peak, the storm was packing gusts of up to 93mph (150 km/h). It changed course on Sunday, hitting the capital Manila with heavy rainfall at dawn.

CAFOD’s local partner, the National Secretariat for Social Action-Justice and Peace (NASSA) is gathering data from its social action centres working on the ground in the areas affected. They have already sent 100 bags of rice to the Archdiocese of Capiz and Diocese of Antique.

Colette Fearon, CAFOD regional manager for Asia and the Middle East, says: "Our partners and colleagues in the Philippines are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

"We are concerned by the number of families and communities across the Philippines which have been affected by Typhoon Fengshen and are working with our partners to support them in recovering from this disaster."

give to the emergency response fund

Give to our Emergency Response Fund

CAFOD's initial response to a disaster, and the emergency situation which follows, is through this fund - please support it with whatever you can afford. You really can make a difference to thousands of people