MANILA (UCAN): Catholic humanitarian agencies from around the world have vowed support for Philippine relief and rehabilitation efforts in the wake of the devastation wreaked by Typhoon Mangkhut (Ompong) in the country’s northern provinces.
 
Caritas Internationalis launched an appeal to help finance relief operations for thousands of families affected by the super typhoon.
 
“After the storm has passed people will need help to restore their livelihoods,” it said in a statement.
 
Typhoon Mangkhut, the strongest to hit the country this year, reportedly affected more than a million people in 30 provinces across the country.
 
Of the more than 264,300 families affected, at least 37,160 were displaced.
 
Richard Gordon, chairperson of the Philippine Red Cross, said, “Income from farming and fishing will be drastically reduced, making it almost impossible for low-income families to repair their homes or even feed their families.” 
 
Father Manuel Flores, social action coordinator of the Diocese of Baguio said, “We need your help in Benguet, especially for families and individuals at evacuation centres.” 
 
Typhoon Mangkhut struck just before harvest, affecting more than 80 per cent of corn crops and causing damage to agriculture estimated at US$53 million ($416 million).