LET US PRAY FOR THE VICTIMS OF SUPER TYPHOON YOLANDA
Updates
Pope sends condolence telegram, urges 'concrete help' for Yolanda victims
Pope Francis sent a telegram of condolence to President Benigno Aquino III over the destruction brought by Super Typhoon Yolanda, the Vatican said Sunday.
The Pope, who is not only the leader of the Catholic Church but also the head of state of world's smallest sovereign state - Vatican City, said in the missive that he was deeply saddened by the destruction and loss of life caused by the super typhoon.
“His Holiness Pope Francis expresses his heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this storm and its aftermath. He is especially mindful of those who mourn the loss of their loved ones and of those who have lost their homes," read the telegram, the text of which was posted on the Vatican portal.
"In praying for all the people of the Philippines, the Holy Father likewise offers encouragement to the civil authorities and emergency personnel as they assist the victims of this storm. He invokes divine blessings of strength and consolation for the Nation," it added.
The Pope also urged those who are able to help the Philippines concretely, as well as through prayer.
Signing the telegram was Archbishop Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State.
Silent prayer
During the Sunday Angelus at St. Peter's Squared in Rome, Pope Francis called for a silent prayer for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda then led a recitation of the Hail Mary, Catholic news site AsiaNews reported.
"I wish to reassure my closeness to the people of the Philippines and those of the region hit by a terrible typhoon," said the Pope.
"Unfortunately, there are so many victims and such massive damage. Let us silently pray to Our Lady for our brothers and sisters, and let us also send them actual help."
A separat report by the Catholic News Agency said the crowds gathered for the Angelus applauded in solidarity when the Pope called for prayers for the Philippines. — DVM, GMA News
Source: http://bit.ly/1cMDt2J
Nov 9th, 2013
The Philippine Red Cross is estimating that more than 1,200 people were killed in the coastal city of Tacloban and in Samar province when one of the strongest typhoons ever to make landfall slammed into the country, although the deaths have not yet been confirmed by the government.
Typhoon Haiyan is one of the most powerful typhoons on record and ripped through the central Philippines Friday, wiping away buildings and leveling seaside homes in massive storm surges.
November 9th, 2013
TACLOBAN, Philippines -- As many as 10,000 people are believed dead in one Philippine city alone after one of the worst storms ever recorded unleashed ferocious winds and giant waves that washed away homes and schools. Corpses hung from tree branches and were scattered along sidewalks and among flattened buildings, while looters raided grocery stores and gas stations in search of food, fuel and water.
Officials projected the death toll could climb even higher when emergency crews reach areas cut off by flooding and landslides. Even in the disaster-prone Philippines, which regularly contends with earthquakes, volcanoes and tropical cyclones, Typhoon Haiyan appears to be the deadliest natural disaster on record.
Haiyan hit the eastern seaboard of the Philippine archipelago on Friday and quickly barrelled across its central islands before exiting into the South China Sea, packing winds of 235 kilometres per hour that gusted to 275 kph, and a storm surge that caused sea waters to rise 6 metres.
