Caritas Philippines has launched an appeal to help the communities devastated by typhoon Odette (Rai) that claimed dozens of lives.

Fr. Antonio LabiaoPope Francis expressed his closeness Sunday to the people of the Philippines, recovering from this week’s typhoon that left dozens dead, vast destruction, and more than 200 towns without electricity. More than 300,000 people were forced to flee their homes and beachfront resorts., the national Caritas’ executive secretary, said many dioceses in the Visayas and Mindanao regions were “devastated” by the typhoon.

“They need shelter materials, food, water, and medicines urgently. That is why we are appealing for your help,” Labiao said.

According to the situation report submitted by Caritas Philippines to Caritas Internationalis, at least 10 dioceses were ravaged by the typhoon.

The initial report indicated that the Cebu archdiocese and the dioceses of Tagbilaran, Maasin, and Surigao are considered “severely damaged” by the typhoon.

“We are sending this appeal to everyone. As we prepare for Christmas, let us not forget the Filipino families, especially children, who were affected by typhoon Odette,” Labiao said.

“Let us celebrate the birth of Christ through our kindness, compassion, and generosity,” he added.

Several dioceses held a second collection during Sunday Masses to augment the Church’s emergency response.

Aside from sending assistance, Caritas Philippines will also be helping dioceses conduct rapid assessments.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRMMC) said at least 181,500 families in 2, 209 villages were affected by the devastation of typhoon Odette.

As of Saturday, the number of confirmed deaths rose to 31, and officials expect the death toll to increase.

For donations, these are Caritas Philippines’ donation details:

Euro
Acct. Name: CBCP CARITAS FILIPINAS FOUNDATION INC.
Account No.: 632-2-632-00293-3
Bank: Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company
SWIFT Code: MBTCPHMM

US Dollar
Acct. Name: CBCP CARITAS FILIPINAS FOUNDATION INC.
Account No.: 632-2-632-60023-7
Bank: Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company
SWIFT Code: MBTCPHMM

Philippine Peso
Acct. Name: CBCP CARITAS FILIPINAS FOUNDATION INC.
Account No.: 632-7-632-02788-1
Bank: Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company
SWIFT Code: MBTCPHMM