Virac diocese appeals for help after ‘Pepito’ devastates Catanduanes

November 19, 2024 - 11:49 AM
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Residents salvage their belongings from damaged homes in Panganiban, Catanduanes, after the onslaught of Super Typhoon Pepito, Nov. 17, 2024. (MDRRMO Panganiban via Facebook)

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Virac has issued an appeal for assistance following widespread damage caused by a monster typhoon.

In a social media post Sunday, the diocese said that Super Typhoon Pepito had left many people with “devastated homes, disrupted livelihoods, and shattered hopes”.

“The island province of Catanduanes needs your help,” the diocese said. “We humbly appeal for your generosity and kindness to support them in this difficult time.”

The tropical cyclone brought maximum wind speeds of 195 kilometers per hour as it made its first landfall in the province late Saturday.

On Sunday afternoon, the typhoon made a second landfall in Dipaculao, Aurora, in Central Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 185 kph.

The powerful storm uprooted trees, downed power lines, and damaged homes as it battered Catanduanes, located in the typhoon-prone Bicol region.

The diocese said that any donations will make a difference in the lives of typhoon victims.

The diocese emphasized that donations, no matter the size, will help rebuild lives and restore hope for the affected communities.

“Your donations, big or small, will make a difference in rebuilding lives and restoring hope,” it said.