POPE Francis expressed his solidarity with the Filipino people affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine during his Sunday Angelus address.

From the window of the Vatican, the 87-year-old pontiff offered prayers for those impacted by the storm, stating, “I am close to the population of the Philippines, struck by a powerful cyclone. May the Lord support those people, so full of faith.”

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the storm has led to 116 fatalities, 109 injuries, and 39 individuals still missing.

Kristine has severely affected 6.7 million people, displacing approximately 980,355 individuals across 10,147 barangays.

The damage to agriculture is estimated at P2.5 billion, with infrastructure losses reaching P1.5 billion.

In response to the crisis, two additional areas have been placed under a state of calamity, bringing the total to 160 municipalities.

Caritas Philippines has launched an appeal for essential supplies, including food, potable water, and hygiene kits, as many families continue to seek refuge in evacuation centers.

Bishops from the severely impacted Bicol region have also called for assistance, highlighting the ongoing needs of displaced families.

Caritas Manila’s executive director, Anton Pascual, announced an initial donation of P1.2 million to six dioceses in Bicol, which include the Archdiocese of Caceres and the Dioceses of Libmanan, Legazpi, Daet, Virac, and Sorsogon.

In Batangas, Lipa Archbishop Gilbert Garcera has requested prayers and aid, as local reports indicate 43 deaths and 22 missing persons.

The Office of Civil Defense is actively utilizing three trucks from the Philippine Postal Corp. to deliver vital supplies, including 720 shelter tarpaulins and 3,500 hygiene kits, to communities in need. As the situation evolves, calls for assistance continue to grow.(CMM)

• Tags
• #Pope Francis
• #Severe Tropical Storm Kristine
• #Vatican
• #Philippines
• #National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council