Christian organisations in the Philippines are stepping in to provide shelter, food, and hope after two devastating typhoons struck the country within a week.
The second storm, Super-typhoon Fung-Wong, swept through the region earlier this week, bringing violent winds, heavy rainfall, and landslides.
At least 25 people have been killed, and more than 1.4 million people have been displaced from their homes.
The government has declared a year-long “state of national calamity” to facilitate recovery efforts.
This second super-typhoon, which followed Typhoon Kalmaegi, claimed around 232 lives.
In response, churches have opened their doors to provide immediate refuge.
Roman Catholic Archbishop of Cebu Alberto Uy instructed parishes to welcome those affected and support displaced families.
“Let us be living witnesses of God’s mercy," he said. "When we help, comfort, and accompany, we become instruments of hope.”
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has opened nearly 90 of its facilities to serve as makeshift evacuation centres.
The church is distributing essentials such as food, clean water, and hygiene kits.
International Christian relief groups have also been responding urgently.
Humanitarian aid charity World Vision reported entire villages and farmland buried under mud and called for immediate support.
Operations manager Roberto Dazo said: “Back-to-back storms are stark reminders that climate change is an everyday reality for millions of Filipinos.”
The World Council of Churches sent a letter expressing deep solidarity with those affected by the storms.
Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay said: “We stand alongside you as you continue to be living signs of God’s compassion, presence, and justice.”
He also urged global action on climate resilience: “The increasing frequency and intensity of weather‑related disasters remind us of the urgent need for faithful stewardship of creation.”
Archbishop Uy’s direction to use church buildings as shelters has led to coordination with local disaster relief efforts and the wider Christian community.