CHURCHES and Christian organisations have been responding to the two typhoons that have torn through the Philippines, just six days apart.
This week, Super-typhoon Fung-Wong brought destructive winds, floods, and landslides, which have killed at least 25 people. More than 1.4 million people have had to leave their homes. Many areas are still cut off by flooding and landslides. A super-typhoon is classed as sustained winds above 150 miles per hour.
The Philippine government had already declared a state of emergency across the country after Typhoon Kalmaegi last week. Kalmaegi killed at least 232 people before moving on to Vietnam, where at least five people died.
The Philippines has suffered a string of natural disasters in recent months. In September, 79 people were killed and more than 1000 were injured in a 7.4-magnitude earthquake. Two more earthquakes — of 7.4 and 6.7 magnitude respectively — occurred on the same day early last month, followed by an aftershock three days later.
The RC Archbishop of Cebu, the Most Revd Alberto Uy, directed all priests in the archdiocese to open their churches as shelters for those seeking refuge during this week’s typhoon. He also called on all Christians to support victims of the typhoon, suggesting that people “adopt” a family who had been affected. “Let us be living witnesses of God’s mercy,” he said. “When we help, comfort, and accompany, we become instruments of hope.”
Archbishop Uy had attended a wake for the victims of Typhoon Kalmaegi, including a mother, six children, and two grandchildren, organised by their families.
Churches have provided shelter and hot food to those who have been forced to flee their homes because of flooding. The archdiocese posted on Facebook: “While nature is powerful and unpredictable, faith offers a refuge. As Cebu begins recovery and families begin the long process of healing, may we extend our hands and hearts to pray, to listen, to support — and to bear witness that in the face of devastating loss, we lean not on our own strength alone, but on God.”
The Vicar-General of the RC Maasin diocese, Mgr Oscar Cadayona, told UCA News: “As one disaster comes after another, it may destroy the structures we have built on earth, but no hardships, difficulties and discomforts we have gone through can destroy our faith and trust in God, the creator of this world.”
The Philippines are hit by an average of 20 typhoons and storms each year, and experience frequent earthquakes.
The international Christian humanitarian organisation World Vision is urgently appealing for funds to support families and children affected by the typhoons. Its team in the region said that entire villages and surrounding farmlands had been buried in mud.
Roberto Dazo, the charity’s operations manager for Luzon, said: “Back-to-back storms are stark reminders that climate change is an everyday reality for millions of Filipinos.”
In a message from the UK to the people of the Philippines, the King said: “I am well aware that the suffering has been compounded by the devastating effects of two earthquakes in October and our hearts go out to all those who are so cruelly affected by these catastrophic natural disasters.”
The secretary general of the World Council of Churches, the Revd Professor Jerry Pillay, also sent a message of support. “We recognise and give thanks that many congregations and Christian organisations in the Philippines have already opened their doors, shared their resources, provided refuge, and begun restoring essential services. It is our prayer that God will lift up the people, churches, and communities of the Philippines in this time of trial.”