Relief efforts have been ongoing, but more help is needed for the victims of typhoon “Ambo” in Eastern Samar, a Catholic bishop said.
Bishop Crispin Varquez of Borongan is appealing for more aid to reach several towns affected by the strong storm that hit the province on May 14.
As government aid is allocated to the province and other areas, he said needs remain great for thousands of displaced people.
“Let us not neglect our brothers and sisters who are suffering. Let’s give them the assurance that they are not alone,” Bishop Varquez said.
According to him, the typhoon is a double whammy for the province because of the COVID-19 crisis they are facing.
“Many people have been suffering and economically affected by the Covid-19, and then here comes another burden,” he said.
At least nine parishes in seven towns have been badly hit by the typhoon in Eastern Samar alone damaging houses, crops and livestock.
“Ambo” also left five people dead – three in Eastern Samar where the typhoon made its first landfall, one in Northern Samar, and one in Samar.
The typhoon also left a trail of destruction in several other provinces and more than 90,000 people have been displaced as it crossed the country last week.
The Agriculture department said the damage and losses brought by “Ambo” on farmers and fisherfolk has reached around 1 billion pesos.
