JARO, Iloilo, Nov. 12, 2013—Several towns in Iloilo province in Western Visayas suffered destruction from typhoon Yolanda with some coastline communities completely washed out by the powerful storm.
According to Msgr. Meliton Oso, director of Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC), the coastal communities of Estancia, Concepcion and Ajuy have been completely wiped out by the super typhoon.
“The people of these towns are in urgent need of whatever help you can extend, especially food, clean water and temporary shelters, such as tents, will be highly appreciated,” Oso said.
“Yolanda” passed through the island of Panay on afternoon of November 8, knocking down power supply, communications lines and road systems, leaving a path of destruction along its way.
Oso and JASAC staff travelled to the various towns of Iloilo for ocular inspection once the major roads were cleared, November 10.
Aside from Estancia, Concepcion and Ajuy, other affected towns are Janiuay, Barotac Viejo, Carles, Batad, San Dionisio, San Rafael, Balasan, and Sara.
In another development, due to the alarming cases of looting and violence that have been reported in the highly devastated areas, such as Tacloban City, Bishop Gerardo Alminaza, in a Radio interview in Iloilo, appealed to the people to keep calm and to think more of the needs of others before one’s own.
He said that resorting to violence to get goods for oneself “is not very Filipino and is not very Christian”.
In one island in Iloilo, there were reports today that a rescue team that was distributing relief goods was held-up at gunpoint by armed men.
Alminaza renewed his appeal to all people of goodwill to do their part in the relief efforts to help provinces that are presently suffering the effects of super-typhoon “Yolanda”.
Individuals or organizations that would like to help the people in the most devastated towns of Iloilo, may contact directly the Jaro Archdiocesan Social Action Center (JASAC) at telephone number (033) 320-2425 or (033) 509-7155. Financial donations may also be coursed to the JASAC through the following bank accounts:
Donations in Philippine Pesos: Development Bank of the Philippines, Jaro, Iloilo City branch, Account name: JASAC, Inc., Account number: 0756-009642-032.
Donations in U.S. Dollars: Development Bank of the Philippines, Jaro, Iloilo City branch, Account name: JASAC, Inc., Account number: 0756-009642-535. (Fr. Mickey Cardenas)
