Church Provides Relief Efforts to Affected Areas of Karding

On September 25, Typhoon "Karding" intensified into a Severe Tropical Storm and entered the country's area of responsibility, directly affecting the northern portion of Quezon Province, including the Polillo Islands. In addition, the typhoon severely affected most of Central Luzon and parts of Region I, II, CALABARZON, and Bicol Region. 

A total of more than 195,000 families or 714,213 persons were affected by this super typhoon, with 2,849 families or 11,837 persons taking temporary shelter in 127 evacuation centers. Some of these evacuation centers were meetinghouses of the Church. At its peak, 1,165 persons used 32 meetinghouses as temporary shelters for members and community residents who lived nearby. Some meetinghouses sustained damage from the storm, especially the Dinganlan meetinghouse which was on the early path of the storm.

All missions reported that all missionaries were safe and all counted for after the typhoon. No report of injury or casualty was made.

The government, in coordination with humanitarian organizations, provided emergency assistance. National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council reported that the Department of Social Welfare Development Office had food and non-food items delivered to the affected areas. Funds for the humanitarian assistance provided came from the Department of Social Welfare Development, Local Government Units, Non-Governmental Organizations, and others.

The Chruch continues to provide relief efforts to persons in severely affected areas through coordination with collaborating organizations such as Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc., headed by Ms. Menchie Sylvestre, and the BGEN Rodelyn T Manzano PN (M) (RES), Chairperson, Multi-Sectoral Linkaging Committee, Naval Reserve Command Headquarters located in Cabildo St., Intramuros, Manila. They are helping deliver food, hygiene, and temporary shelter kits to several communities. As a result, 3,000 Food kits, 500 Hygiene Kits, and 1,000 temporary shelter kits will be distributed among the areas of Polillo Islands and parts of Nueva Ecija. The collaborative efforts between these and similar organizations provided prompt assistance in areas where help was most needed.

MGEN Cherrisse Manzano of the Naval Reserve Command Multi-Sectoral Linkaging Committee expressed her gratitude. On her Facebook post, she said, "Our deepest gratitude to the Church for the continuous efforts and partnership in bringing aid to our brothers and sisters, especially during disasters. Maraming, maraming salamat po!"

Members of the Church received needed assistance from their local leaders with food and other shelter materials as requested. As part of humanitarian work, the Latter-Day Saint Charities sent 1,300 much-needed essential food items to the three stakes/district members: Cabanatuan, Gapan, and Bongabon. In addition, members of the stake presidency and local ward bishops/branch presidents leaders met and spoke with staff of the Welfare and Self-Reliance (WSR) Department.