Tearfund calls churches to pray for South East Asia

More than a million people are in need of relief and support in Manila in the Philippines after Typhoon Ketsana dumped more than a month’s worth of rain in less than seven hours on September 26 – the heaviest rains to hit the country in 40 years.

Nearly 300 people died in the storm before Typhoon Parma brought more devastation to the north of the Philippines’ main island, Luzon, on Saturday, killing at least 15 people. The country is now bracing itself for Typhoon Melor, which is expected to arrive on Monday afternoon.

Aid agencies already responding to the devastation in the Philippines were stretched when just days later a tsunami triggered by an 8.9-magnitude earthquake washed over Samoa and Tonga, leaving at least 130 people dead.

Another earthquake hit the Indonesian city of Padang on Sumatra’s west coast one day later, killing more than 1,000 people and stretching aid agencies to the limit.

“The needs are enormous and after the initial loss there comes the sense of devastation and shock. People – many of whom are already desperately poor – are left with nothing,” said Matthew Frost, Tearfund Chief Executive.

“Homes and livelihoods are destroyed; loved ones are lost or missing – the disorientation and trauma is unimaginable.

“The relief effort is being built up daily. Our partner relief teams in Sumatra and in Metro Manila are assessing the need and responding, but we can also surround the crises and the families affected in prayer.”

Another Christian relief and development agency, World Vision, said the impact of Typhoon Ketsana on Manila had been “shocking”.

"Many have lost everything, including bedding, food, education materials, and clothing. The poorest living in slums and settlements are especially badly hit,” said Elnora Avarientos, World Vision’s national director in the Philippines.

Tearfund is urging Christians to pray for access to clean water, the delivery of food aid and basic items, and the provision of shelter, medical supplies and counselling support for the grieving and distressed.

“Teams in the region will be immensely grateful to know churches are praying,” said Mr Frost.

“Pray for wisdom and strength as they respond, as well as for swift access and logistic support.

“But above all, pray for the thousands of families affected, that they may get relief and find hope to rebuild their broken lives.”