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The Uniting Church in Australia has launched an emergency appeal in response to the devastating impact of Typhoon Sendong (Washi) that struck southern Philippines on Friday, December 16, 2011.

Washi has claimed the lives of hundreds of people in Visayas and Mindanao, particularly in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan. Rising as high as 11 feet, the flood swamped houses to the rooftops and drowned unprepared residents in communities including children.

UnitingWorld is in contact with the leadership of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and is preparing to send an initial $5,000.

The disaster is the worst that the Philippines has experienced in years. Local churches and conferences in disaster affected areas are mobilising disaster response units to conduct needs and capacity assessment to bring about effective relief operations.

UCCP General Secretary Bishop Reuel Norman Marigza has called for the support of partners and local churches.

“We enjoin all in fervent prayer to God for the victims of disaster in Visayas and Mindanao. Let us sow hope amidst despair. The spirit of Christmas is more meaningfully expressed through our generosity in giving help and comfort to those whose lives have become bleak because of this horrible experience.”

Bishop Melzar Labuntog of the UCCP Northwest Mindanao Jurisdictional Area has added a local voice to the call.

“We need all the help we can get for relief work.”

Kerry Enright, National Director, UnitingWorld said “Flooding has brought devastation and death to Mindanao in the Season people were preparing to celebrate new life.  Our partner, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, has a network of churches and capacity to support affected communities so that in these terrible circumstances, life is still compassionately affirmed.”

The funds raised will be in support of delivery and distribution of essential food items, clean water, medical supplies for disaster victims and rebuilding programs.

Update 21 December

Official government figures have indicated that nearly 1000 people have lost their lives and thousands more have been displaced. The death toll is expected to rise. In total, the typhoon and subsequent flooding has affected over 340,000 people across 13 districts.

UCCP General Secretary Bishop Reuel Norman Marigza has highlighted the extent of the damage. “Many people are traumatized at the extent of devastation in terms of loss of lives and damage to property. The areas hard hit by the storm were not the usual areas visited by typhoons in the Philippines so they were not quite prepared nor did they anticipate the fury of the typhoon,” he said.

The local bishop of the UCCP, Bishop Melzar Labuntog, has visited some of the affected areas with Church leaders to assess the situation as well as to provide the Church’s presence and assistance where possible.

UnitingWorld has prepared a PowerPoint resource for churches to use over the Christmas period. We encourage all to join with us in prayer and solidarity with our partners in the Philippines and all affected. To download the PowerPoint Presentation, click here.

You can also download the prayer resource here.

To download a Media Release – click here

To download the appeal pdf and donation coupon – click here

To download a bulletin insert – click here

Click here to make a secure online donation

Donations can also be made by calling 1800 998 122

Or by mail: click here to download donation form, and post to:

PO Box A2266 Sydney South 1235

Via Fax 02 9262 7936

*Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible

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