Philippines Floods Appeal

On the evening of Friday 16 December, Typhoon Washi hit land in the eastern province of Agusan del Sur and northern Mindanao (the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines).

The storm caused severe flash flooding and continues to cause widespread devastation, with more than 650 people reported dead, over 800 believed missing and tens of thousands of families displaced.

The floodwaters have destroyed roads and infrastructure in numerous cities and towns, leaving many of them difficult to access and making the immediate response challenging; with the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Lanao del Sur among the most affected.



Girl searches for salvageable items after
flash floods brought by Typhoon Washi
devastate the southern Philippines.
Photo credit: REUTERS/Stringer

The magnitude of the situation is still revealing itself, however Cagayan de Oro City has suffered a great loss of life.

“This is a very, very sad situation. We feel deeply for the families and individuals of the Philippines who have lost loved ones, friends and neighbours,” said Jack de Groot, Caritas Australia CEO.

“It is extremely important that the emergency response is well supported and effective to reduce the physical and emotional toll such a disaster can have on communities, like those now impacted in the Philippines.”


What Caritas Australia is doing

Caritas Australia, the international Caritas network and our partners are already engaged in long-term programs across the Mindanao, and more broadly in the Philippines. So we are well-placed to engage in an effective emergency response. 

Caritas representatives are working closely with the Philippine Government’s disaster response team. Caritas partners are currently conducting needs assessments, and aerial views of the region by helicopter are being carried out.

How you can help

“This is a tough time for many of us financially, but in the Philippines the need is great and we ask that you come forward in support. This will help to ensure both the short- and long-term responses are effective,” said Mr de Groot.

Your support to Caritas Australia’s Philippines Floods appeal will assist Caritas and our local partners to deliver emergency response programs to those people affected.

“We now need to dig deep and move in support of our neighbours across the Mindanao.”

Donate to the Philippines Floods Appeal

Support vulnerable communities affected by the flooding by donating online to Caritas Australia's Philippines Floods Appeal. Caritas Australia is mandated to deliver at least 92% of all funds raised in emergencies to the emergency in question. Thank you.