Catholic Relief Services Alerts

Philippines Flash Flood Victims Crowd Evacuation Centers, CRS to Distribute Water and Hygiene Kits

CRS staff in the flood-ravaged city of Cagayan de Oro report thousands of people crowding into evacuation centers with rapidly-deteriorating conditions. There is no running water in the city, leaving residents to rely on fire trucks for non-potable water. Drinking water is scarce, prices are rising, and people lost storage containers for clean water in the flood.

CRS Philippines is procuring water containers and hygiene kits in other parts of the country for distribution to flood victims. Staff and partners plan to distribute the kits before Christmas Eve. CRS is working closely with partners Xavier University and the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro to identify families in need.

Download the latest Special Report from affected areas of the Philippines and prayer resources for your community.

East African Drought

One of the worst droughts since 1950-51 has put 10 million people across the Horn of Africa in need of humanitarian assistance.  Most live in Kenya and Ethiopia, countries where Catholic Relief Services has a large presence; however Kenya is further burdened by an influx of refugees from Somalia, many leaving in search of food due to the drought there.  CRS is working with partners to expand assistance from 400,000 to 1 million beneficiaries.  Please pray for the people of East Africa.  Visit www.crs.org for further information and to see how you might help.