Typhoon Carina rages through Manila metropolitan area, churches open for evacuees

Typhoon, known in neighboring countries as Gaemi, is now moving across Taiwan. At least 13 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in the flooded area that includes large parts of the Philippine capital’s major suburbs. People are reported to still be on rooftops waiting to be rescued.

July 24, 2024

By Santosh Digal
The Philippines is on high alert to provide relief to thousands of people affected by Typhoon Carina (known as Gaemi in neighboring countries) and the intensifying southwest monsoon, which has battered several parts of the Manila metropolitan area and other adjoining regions on Luzon island and is now heading towards Taiwan.

Carina is the third tropical cyclone to hit the Philippines in 2024 and the second in the month of July. Damage caused by the storm disrupted the Philippine transportation system, causing flooding in parts of the National Capital Region and surrounding areas. President Marcos ordered relevant government agencies to provide rapid assistance to those affected. More than P2.88 million in aid has been allocated and 4,500 people are being mobilized for search, rescue and recovery operations.

Several churches in the Diocese of Novaliches have opened their doors as evacuation centers for Typhoon Carina victims, providing safe shelters and basic necessities. Caritas Novaliches is monitoring the areas most affected by the floods, in coordination with parishes and local authorities to effectively manage the relief efforts. Water has entered people’s homes, as well as many churches and other institutions. “We continue to pray for the heavy rains and flooding to stop,” said April Baybayon, a catechist and religious teacher from the Diocese of Cubao, who said scores of people in Gumamela area of ​​Barangay Roxas in Quezon City are still waiting on rooftops for help. Among them are children and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

“We are helping in every way we can. We are praying for everyone’s safety,” said Molina Benedictos, a volunteer working in the area. In some areas, reservoirs and dams are releasing water. The water level of the Marikina River has reached an alert level of 18.2 meters, prompting an evacuation. “May the precious blood of Christ cover all those affected by this continuous rain,” Benedictos prayed.

Even in the heart of Manila, the persistent southwest monsoon rains have made streets impassable for public transportation, forcing commuters to walk through flooded streets along Taft Avenue on their way to work. The Quezon City government, based on the recommendation of the National Council for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, has suspended classes in schools of all grades and government offices across Manila. However, government agencies providing medical, disaster and emergency response, and other essential services will continue to operate as normal.–Asia News