Cyclone Tembin, known locally as Typhoon Vinta, made landfall in Caraga municipality, around 250km from Davao city, on Christmas Eve. More than 200 people were killed and the storm has left communities in the southern Philippines devastated.
Caritas staff working on the ground in the Philippines responded quickly with emergency assistance in the aftermath of the cyclone.
“The efforts of Caritas Philippines and other partners in pre-positioning essential relief materials and evacuation centres have prevented the potential for further loss of life,” said Richard Forsythe, Caritas Australia’s Senior Programs Coordinator for Emergencies.
The cyclone caused flooding and landslides, as well as significant damage to home and livelihoods. To make matters worse, Cyclone Tembin followed in the path of Tropical Depression Kai-Tak which caused heavy downfalls over central Philippines in the week leading up to Christmas.
“I thank you for coming for to check on my rice mill, I thank you with infinite gratitude,” Mr Umpia M. Dura, a resident of Lanao del Sur in the Southern Philippines, told Caritas staff.
According to Caritas, food, water and clothing are the priority for those affected by the cyclone. The Philippines National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has reported that more than 280 thousand families were impacted by the disaster.
Food packages have already been provided to 500 families, with many more expected to need assistance once the needs assessments have taken place in the affected areas.
Caritas Australia is part of an international confederation of 165 Catholic relief, development and social service organisations. Caritas Australia sits within the auspices of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.