The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA) issued a "Severe Weather Bulletin" on 22 July
2003 concerning Typhoon Harurot (international codename: Imbudo) and
a Public Storm Warning Signal No. 4, the highest storm signal, was
raised in three northern provinces. Other regions badly affected are
Region 1 (Ilocos Region), Cordillera Administrative Region, Region
III (Central Luzon), Region V (Bicol Region) and parts of the Visayas.
Typhoon Harurot had sustained winds of 190 kph near the center and
gusts of up to 230 kph.
Typhoon Harurot is the fifth typhoon that has struck
the country in a span of eight weeks, bringing destruction to almost
the same areas. According to weather officials Typhoon Harurot is
the strongest to hit the Philippines since 1998. The torrential rains
and strong winds have caused flashfloods, toppled power lines and
stranded thousands of passengers. At least six people have died and
thousands of families have been displaced.
ACT member, the National Council of Churches in
the Philippines (NCCP) through the Program Unit on Faith, Witness
and Service-Relief and Rehabilitation is closely monitoring the affected
areas. Meanwhile, the NCCP member churches and the regional ecumenical
councils in the affected areas are conducting damage and needs assessments.
Initially, emergency assistance is needed to assist the thousands
of families whose houses and communities are submerged with floodwater.
The NCCP has already utilized its reserve funds in
assisting at least 2,550 families affected by typhoon Chedeng during
the last days of May 2003. However, due to the onslaught of succeeding
typhoons after Chedeng, the NCCP has received many requests for assistance
from its regional ecumenical councils. An appeal may be forthcoming.
