MEDIA RELEASE – fOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6 December 2006

Caritas Responds to philippines typhoon

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, the Catholic agency for justice, peace and development, is pledging $10,000 towards immediate relief assistance for over 15,300 families affected by Typhoon Durian in the Philippines.

Over 1 million people in 9 cities and 13 provinces have been affected by the super typhoon that struck from 28 November to 2 December, with wind gusts of up to 265 kph. Survivors described the winds as “like a jumbo jet hovering above the rooftops.”

Over 20,000 people have been moved to evacuation centres, and it is estimated the death toll could reach 1,000. Typhoon Durian caused torrential rains and torrents of black mud, volcanic ash and boulders to surge down Mount Mayon, swamping entire villages and cutting transport routes.

Caritas is working through its sister agency, NASSA – Caritas Philippines and other partner agencies. These agencies are already on the ground coordinating the relief operation, providing emergency assistance to people in temporary shelters, and distributing food, clothing, bedding, household items and medicines to those affected by the typhoon. Caritas’ partner (the National Food Authority) has distributed 900 bags of rice to vulnerable families in 9 dioceses.

Caritas will continue to monitor the situation closely and respond to community needs as they develop.

Caritas is accepting donations to assist the victims of Typhoon Durian. Donations can be made in the following ways:
* Ph: 0900 4 11 11 for an automatic $20 donation charged to your phone bill

* Phone: 0800 22 10 22 to make credit card donations or

* Post donations to: Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, PO Box 12-193, Thorndon, Wellington 6144, NEW ZEALAND.

ENDS

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