As the people of the Philippines face yet another devastating natural disaster, Catholics around the world are being called to unite in prayer for those affected by Typhoon Kalmaegi, one of the strongest storms to strike the nation this year.
According to BBC News, at least 40 people have been killed and nearly 400,000 residents displaced after the typhoon tore through the central islands, unleashing powerful winds and catastrophic flooding across Cebu, the country’s most populous island in the region. Entire towns have been submerged, cars and shipping containers swept through the streets, and families forced to seek refuge on rooftops.
“The situation in Cebu is really unprecedented,” said Governor Pamela Baricuatro in a Facebook post cited by BBC. “We were expecting the winds to be the dangerous part, but… the water is what’s truly putting our people at risk. The floodwaters are just devastating.”
While the typhoon, locally named Tino, has weakened since making landfall, it continues to bring winds over 80 miles per hour (130 km/h) and torrential rains. Officials warned that many of the deaths were caused by drowning as surging water tore through homes and hillsides.
Adding to the tragedy, a Philippine Air Force helicopter deployed for rescue operations crashed on Mindanao island, killing all six crew members on board, according to BBC News. The aircraft was one of four assisting in relief efforts in the hard-hit region.
For the Filipino people, who are among the most resilient and faith-filled communities in the world, these back-to-back disasters are testing their endurance. Just weeks ago, the same regions were recovering from Super Typhoon Ragasa, known locally as Nando, and Typhoon Bualoi, known locally as Opong, which left a trail of destruction and loss. This new catastrophe comes amid ongoing recovery from recent earthquakes and a difficult monsoon season that flooded towns and farmland.
In the face of this suffering, the Catholic faithful are encouraged to respond with compassion and intercession. Let us pray for the souls of the departed, for the safety of rescuers, and for comfort to all who have lost loved ones and homes.
You can light a free virtual prayer candle for the Philippines at Catholic Online Prayer Candles (https://www.catholic.org/prayers/candles/) to show solidarity and spiritual support during this time of need.
“I’ve been here for 28 years, and this is by far the worst we’ve experienced,” said Don del Rosario, a Cebu City resident who sought refuge on an upper floor during the storm, according to BBC News.
May our prayers rise like light in the darkness for all who now face loss, fear, and uncertainty. Lord, have mercy on the people of the Philippines.
