Xavier University is appealing for funds to help the victims of Typhoon Sendong (International Name: Tropical Storm Washi), which struck the southern Philippines on December 17, causing flash floods and landslides.
Typhoon Washi slammed ashore on Mindanao island in the dead of night, sending torrents of water and mud through riverside villages, drowning scores of people as they slept, and sweeping houses out to sea. Tens of thousands of people have been rendered homeless and many are now in evacuation centres. As of December 20, the official death toll was close to 1,000.
Cagayan de Oro, where Xavier University is located, was at the centre of the storm. The city was the worst hit; in just 12 hours, an average month’s rainfall was dumped on the area. In some areas, the water level rose to 11 feet (3.3 metres) in less than an hour. The rains triggered floodwaters more than a metre deep.
In his letter of appeal, Fr Roberto (Bobby) Yap SJ, president of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan, said that the university has set up a Relief Centre to receive donations of food, water, medicine, medical supplies and blankets and distribute them to the many victims. The campus has been opened as an Evacuation Centre to provide shelter to those whose houses have been destroyed by the floods, and its clinic is providing medical treatment to those injured during the calamity. Many of the University’s staff and students are volunteering in every way possible to help the evacuees.
“This tragedy is an invitation to show the true Christmas spirit of courage and compassion and faith in Emmanuel, God-with-us,” he said.
For updates, go to http://tabangsendong.xu.edu.ph/sendong/
For Fr Bobby’s letter and details of how you can donate, click here.
Photo from http://www.phjesuits.org