Nearly 800 Seek Shelter in Church Meetinghouses Amid Monsoon Deluge in the Philippines

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is monitoring the effects of widespread flooding in the Philippines and is carrying out relief efforts and preparing humanitarian assistance for affected communities.

As of Sunday, August 30, 2026, more than 9,300 Latter-day Saints from approximately 3,100 families had been affected to varying degrees by the heavy rains and widespread flooding. No fatalities, injuries or missing persons have been reported among Church members.

By Sunday evening, 765 individuals displaced by flooding were sheltering in 20 Church meetinghouses after evacuating affected neighborhoods.

All missionaries serving in the Church’s 31 missions in the Philippines are safe and accounted for. No injuries or urgent needs have been reported among missionaries, and mission leaders continue to monitor their safety and well-being. 

Four meetinghouses sustained minor flood-related damage or water intrusion. No significant utility or communication disruptions were reported at Church facilities.

Church leaders in the Philippines are working closely with local leaders, local government units and nongovernmental organizations to assess the needs of heavily affected communities and prepare relief efforts and emergency assistance. Planned aid includes food, water, hygiene kits, emergency kits and other relief items.

Several days of persistent rainfall from the southwest monsoon, locally known as Habagat, have caused severe flooding in communities across the country.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the government agency that coordinates national disaster management programs in the Philippines, reported that the cumulative effects of the monsoon and recent tropical cyclones have affected more than 8 million Filipinos. Flooding has been reported in multiple areas across parts of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the country’s national weather agency, forecast more monsoon rain and thunderstorms over the next few days.

Latter-day Saints who require urgent support are encouraged to contact their local bishop or branch president. They are also encouraged to follow emergency warnings, policies and instructions issued by local authorities and community leaders.

For many years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has provided humanitarian assistance around the world during times of natural disasters, civil unrest, and other crises. This support includes immediate relief such as food, water, clothing, and medical supplies, as well as long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.