Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) - After two weeks since the passage of Tropical Storm Washi, which struck the central archipelago of Visayas and Mindanao, in the Philippines, there are more than 1,200 victims, 400 000 IDPs and still many missing. In past days, following the breaking of the river banks, about 15 000 people have been evacuated from the towns of Barobo and Bislig, Surigao del Sur province, San Francisco, Agusan del Sur province, and Valencia, Bukidnon province. In Valencia, 120 km east of the areas devastated by the typhoon, the police and military forces have worked with rescue helicopters to rescue about 300 families who had climbed on the roofs of submerged houses. Over 700 thousand people in 56 towns and 8 villages have been affected, more than half in need of immediate help. Approximately 54 000 have been transferred in 53 evacuation centers around the damaged areas, some 400 000 are welcomed by friends and relatives but still need assistance.
According to the leaders of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the search for other victims continues, fishermen are patrolling the coasts, while t divers are struggling with muddy river water because there may be bodies trapped in the rubble . To try to return to a bit of normality, schools in the affected areas of Cagayan de Oro, currently used as evacuation centers, will reopen in February. Volunteers are engaged in the construction of 300 houses on an area of 10 hectares of the government where some families will move, but many are still homeless. Some, whose homes had resisted the currents, have tried to return to their homes despite authorities warning about the impracticality of the area, much predisposed to further flooding. After initial protests, they were forced to leave the area again. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 29/12/2011)
