Eastern Samar chapels survive 'Ruby'

MANILA, Philippines - The chapels used as evacuation centers in Eastern Samar at the height of the tropical cyclone "Ruby" were built to withstand a category 5 typhoon, an official of the social arm of the Archdiocese of Manila said Tuesday.

Father Anton Pascual, executive director of Caritas Manila, said around 40 chapels in Eastern Samar were not damaged or destroyed by "Ruby."

The prelate said each chapel cost P1 million to build and can withstand 250 kilometer per hour wind.

"Sa mga chapel na ipinagawa natin sa Visayas, ginawa itong evacuation centers at ligtas ang mga evacuee, dahil intact ang mga ito, walang nasira. Talagang ipinatayo ito na matibay 250 kph ang lakas ng hangin kaya nito, nasa category 5," the prelate told Radyo Veritas.

Meanwhile, Father Pascual said Caritas Manila will distribute around 8,000 relief packs to families affected by "Ruby."

Half of the relief assistance would go to the affected residents in Visayas and Mindanao areas. The remaining goods will be given to families in parts of Luzon, Father Pascual said.

"Merong nakahanda mga 7,000 to 8,000 relief packs, kalahati nasa Visayas at Mindanao na, dito sa Luzon, sa Metro Manila. Makatutugon din  tayo sa first aid hygiene packs nakahanda na rin. Naghihintay na tayo ng request sa bawat diocese. Una nating pupuntahan ang Diocese of Borongan at Diocese ng Catarman. Humingi sila ng tulong, yung iba di ganoon katindi ang epekto," Father Pascual said.