As typhoon Ruby leaves 27 dead in its passage across the Philippines, Caritas leads relief efforts
Manila (AsiaNews) - The death toll from super typhoon Hagupit, locally known as Ruby, has risen to 27. At present, the storm is leaving the Philippines after sweeping by the capital Manila without any major damage.
Most Filipinos have breathed a sigh of relief. So far, material and human losses caused by typhoon Hagupit are far lower than what was experienced last year when typhoon Yolanda hit.
Most deaths occurred on the eastern island of Samar, where the typhoon made landfall with winds up to 210 km/h.
In a note to AsiaNews, Jing Rey Henderson, head of the National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA) - Justice and Peace, thanked Our Lady because, yesterday, on her feast day, "she spared us from more suffering." There was some damage but "we were ready" and "it was contained," the expert said.
Over the weekend, tens of thousands of people, particularly residents in poor coastal areas, spent the night in evacuation centres, waiting for the passage of the typhoon.
As it moved westward, Hagupit weakened in intensity, without further damage. This morning, evacuees were able to return to their homes.
After a day off yesterday, schools, government and office workers were back on the job today. The stock market also resumed operations.
Red Cross sources note that the death toll could rise in the coming hours, when the situation in Samar and other affected areas is fully assessed.
Meanwhile, NASSA (Caritas Philippines) is still engaged in relief efforts. Its top officials are in contact with the dioceses affected by Ruby's passage, as they will hand out aid and basic necessities. In fact, the parishes, seminaries, convents and schools remain open for evacuees, providing them with food and water.
The dioceses of Palo, Calbayog, East Samar, Cebu, together with Caritas Manila, are at the forefront of aid operations. Tens of thousands of parcels with essential items have already been delivered to residents.
In the areas affected by the passage of the typhoon, life is slowly returning to normal.
However, only a very limited number of flights have been allowed as of today mainly to allow military and relief aid movement by the government. Ferry services also remain suspended in all ports until further notice.
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24/09/2008
03/07/2017 14:05
