Hundreds die in typhoon „Washi“ on Mindanao island
UEM and member churches support emergency help
By: Christoph Wand
Parts of Cayagan de Oro are completely destroyed.
After the devastating floods in the Philippines the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) - a member church of the united Evangelical Mission (UEM) - supports the victims. The UEM, the Evangelical Church in the Rhineland (EkiR) and the Evangelical Church of Westphalia (EKvW) join in the emergency relief by giving 30,000 Euro. More than 7000 people died in the tropical storm on Saturday, most of them in the northwestern part of the island Mindanao.
At least 20,000 people only in the city of Cagayan de Oro were affected, reported UCCP bishop Reuel Marigza on Monday. The whole situation could not be estimated because of the devastated infrastructure: Many streets and bridges were destroyed. In addition, the fresh water system of Cagayan de Oro collapsed.
UCCP churches are reported to be flooded. Others are used as emergency shelters. The church also cares for the food and the counseling for several hundred people affected. But more help is needed, especially food, medicine, clothing and tents for shelter. In this regard UEM asks for doners to help the UCCP: Bank Account 90 90 90 8, KD-Bank Dortmund, BLZ 350 601 90, IBAN: DE45 3506 0190 0009 0909 08, SWIFT/BIC GENODED1DKD.