Called Gaemi in neighbouring countries, the typhoon is now moving over Taiwan. At least 13 people have died and hundreds of thousands have been displaced in the flooded area that overlaps large parts of the Philippine capital’s major suburbs. People are still reported to be waiting for rescue on rooftops. We pray for the rains to stop.
Manila () – The Philippines is on high alert to help thousands of people affected by Typhoon Carina (called Gaemi in neighbouring countries) and the strengthening of the southwest monsoon, which has hit several areas of the metropolitan area of Manila and other neighbouring regions of the island of Luzon and is now heading towards Taiwan.
Carina is the third tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines in 2024 and the second in July. The damage caused by the storm disrupted the Philippine transportation system, causing flooding in parts of the National Capital Region and surrounding areas. President Marcos instructed relevant government agencies to quickly assist those affected. Over P2.88 million in aid has been allocated and 4,500 personnel are being mobilized for search, rescue and recovery operations.
Several churches in the Diocese of Novaliches have opened their doors as evacuation centers for those affected by Typhoon Carina, providing safe shelter and essential items. Caritas Novaliches is monitoring the areas most affected by the floods, in consultation with parishes and local authorities, to effectively manage relief operations. Water has entered people’s homes, but also many churches and other institutions. “We continue to pray for the heavy rains and floods to stop,” says April Baybayon, a catechist and religion teacher from the Diocese of Cubao, who says that many people in the Gumamela area of Barangay Roxas district of Quezon City are still waiting for relief on their rooftops. Among them are children and disabled people.
“We are helping in whatever way we can. We are praying for everyone’s safety,” says Molina Benedictos, a volunteer working in the area. In some areas, reservoirs and dams are releasing water. The Marikina River level has reached an alarm level of 18.2 meters, prompting an evacuation. “May the precious blood of Christ cover all those affected by this incessant rain,” Benedictos prays.
Even in the heart of Manila, continued southwest monsoon rains made streets impassable for public transportation, forcing commuters to walk through flooded streets along Taft Avenue. The Quezon City administration, acting on the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, suspended classes in schools of all grades and government offices throughout Manila. However, government agencies providing medical, disaster and emergency response, and other essential services continue to operate.
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