Mulvarosa Pibilra Perote is one of more than 500 survivors of Typhoon Haiyan who are taking shelter in a seminary in Tacloban city.
The building has been turned into an evacuation centre, where Caritas and its partners are delivering aid.
Mulvarosa, a 57-year-old grandmother, was at home when the storm hit, along with five of her children and three grandchildren.
“We were all very frightened,” she says. “We thought we were going to die. The children were crying. We were holding on to whatever we could. Many people died in our neighbourhood, including seven in just one family.”
Some of Mulvarosa’s relatives remain missing, including her nephew, his wife and their nine-month-old baby.
“Nobody knew to expect the waves,” says Mulvarosa. “My nephew’s family lived by the coast. I told him to move, but he didn’t listen. We’re still looking for them.”
Caritas Philippines have been able to truck food and water to the area through its local church networks, and has distributed aid to thousands of people.
Mulvarosa’s family has received rice, noodles and tinned goods. “My house is virtually destroyed. It has no roof,” she said. “I’m very grateful to receive food and shelter.” Continue reading.
Nick Harrop is Humanitarian Emergencies Writer for CAFOD – Caritas England and Wales.
Caritas is a global confederation of 165 Catholic organisations working in humanitarian emergencies and international development, of which Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is part.
Source: CAFOD
Image: Caritas
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