ASIA/PHILIPPINES - More than 43 000 children affected by Typhoon Washi, the religious network are working to respond to the emergency

Mindanao (Agenzia Fides) - More than 43 000 children have been affected by the devastating consequences of the Tropical Typhoon Washi (locally called Sendong) which last weekend devastated the island of Mindanao in the Philippines, causing 652 deaths so far and more than 1000 missing people. About 14 000 children are accommodated in evacuation centers. In the most damaged areas electricity, drinking water is lacking, and there is desolation everywhere: houses, cars, buildings have been destroyed. Approximately 100 000 people are displaced and there are already many organizations that are intervening in favor of this population so severely put to the test. These include the Camillian Task Force Central that has been in contact with the organizations in the Philippines and is preparing a plan of action. According to information sent to Agenzia Fides from the Ministers of the Sick (MI, Camillians), the religious are all well and are working to respond to the emergency. The typhoon hit for about six hours from Davao and Mati, where there are Camillian buildings. The areas of commitment have not yet been defined, but there is an extensive network of contacts between the Camillian Task Force, in Mindanao and the local religious Congregations to monitor the situation. In all probability medical intervention will be given priority. From the Camillian Hospital in Mati a religious will follow all the operations in the affected area that will be coordinated by Father Meng, MI. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 20/12/2011)