Scottish Catholic Observer

There has, however, already been significant damage left in the wake of the typhoon, with 80 per cent of homes destroyed in some areas and at least 21 deaths so far.

Caritas Internationalis, which includes SCIAF, had stockpiled essential supplies in the

Philippines. It has also provided updates to areas in the path of the typhoon and has joined with other NGOs and local authorities to help organise the largest peacetime evacuation in the country’s history.

Nearly one million people have been pre-emptively evacuated from affected regions and have taken shelter in evacuation

centres. Relief supplies for thousands of families had also been set up ahead of time to allow the essential items to be distributed easily and quickly to those in need.

Caritas is continuing to monitor the typhoon and communities affected by the typhoon.

“With Typhoon Hagupit now decreasing in strength, Caritas is going back to affected areas to assess the damage, assist with cleaning up and ensure that people have essential items and shelter,” Julianne Hickey, Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand director, said. “Once these basic needs are met, we will work with communities to help them rebuild their lives and livelihoods to be more resilient in future emergencies.”