Churches in Philippines open to evacuees, launch donation drive for flood victims
MANILA: Two dioceses have opened their churches to evacuees affected by the southwest monsoon and Severe Tropical Storm Crising (internationally known as Wipha).
In separate statements on Tuesday (July 22), the dioceses of Malolos and Cubao said those affected by heavy rains and flooding may seek shelter in several churches.
According to the Malolos Diocese, churches located in low-lying areas in Bulacan, such as those in Marilao, Guiguinto, Meycauayan, Bocaue, Calumpit, Santa Maria, Hagonoy, Valenzuela, and Malolos, are accepting individuals seeking temporary shelter.
The Cubao Diocese, meanwhile, advised the public to go to the Holy Family Parish – Roxas and San Antonio de Padua Parish.
Meanwhile, the social and advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, Caritas Philippines, is preparing to launch a local emergency appeal, through the Alay Kapwa Solidarity Fund, for the benefit of communities affected by the weather disturbances.
'This appeal will be announced during the televised daily Mass to mobilize immediate assistance for communities affected,' it added.
Caritas Philippines noted that it is closely monitoring the impact of the calamity on the communities.
'Ongoing monitoring is being conducted by the affected dioceses. Information and updates are being disseminated in real time through the social media platform and group chat,' it said.
The group added that so far, it needs food items and non-food items, such as thermal kits, hygiene kits, and dignity kits.
The combined effects of Crising and the monsoon rains have affected 362,465 families, or 1,266,322 individuals, residing in 2,088 villages in 17 regions in the country, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
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