Caritas seeks donations for Opong victims

MANILA, Philippines — Caritas Philippines – the humanitarian, development and advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines – yesterday appealed for donations for victims of Severe Tropical Storm Opong in Masbate and Romblon.

Caritas said that residents of Masbate and Romblon are in need of food packs and non-food items such as essential household items, sanitation kits, potable water with jerry cans, solar lamp with power chargers, generator sets and medicine, especially for treatment of wounds.

Aside from these items, people are requesting for construction materials for rebuilding houses and churches as well as interim livelihood for affected families.

As of Sept. 28, the dioceses of Masbate and Romblon remained without power and have been relying on generator sets.

No formal evacuation centers are available in the provinces, Caritas said.

It said that telecom service is down except for Smart, although the signal is weak, and the supply of medicine is running low.

The source of water in Masbate sustained damage from Opong