Media release

28 September 2009

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Caritas Australia's CEO Jack de Groot asks Australians to give generosly to help the people devastated by the Philippines floods.

Caritas opens appeal as flood damage assessed in Philippines

Caritas Australia’s local partners are commencing assessments after tropical storm Ketsana struck the main island of Luzon, triggering massive floods that have left over 100 dead and displaced 337,000 people.

“Our local partner FCJ, an integrated community development centre based in Manila, has begun to assess  the needs of those affected in the slums of Quezon city, Manila”, said Caritas CEO Jack de Groot.

“With an estimated 80 percent of the city’s 12 million people affected, the need for an efficient and significant response is already apparent. However communication remains difficult”, said Caritas Australia’s CEO Jack de Groot.

“With flood damage we can expect a need for swift assistance for the displaced and immediate steps to combat an influx of water borne diseases. In the acute emergency phase our local partners will be assessing where the greatest need is and focusing our assistance there. Temporary shelter will be required and the threat of polluted water poses great risk for those temporarily displaced”, said Caritas Australia’s CEO Mr de Groot.

“Caritas Australia is always focusing on the long term response and this will be foremost in our thinking once immediate needs are met”, said Caritas Australia’s CEO Mr de Groot.

How you can help

Caritas Australia is accepting donations to the Philippines Humanitarian Crisis through its South East Asia Typhoon Appeal.

You can support the Caritas Australia Philippines Humanitarian Crisis Appeal by calling 1800 024 413 or donate online.

For more information call Tim O’Connor (02) 8306 3444 or 0417 284 831

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