Cebu archdiocese calls for donations to assist parishes affected by Typhoon Odette

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has recorded a message, calling for donations either in cash or in-kind and that these can be sent to Caritas.

In his message, the prelate provided an initial assessment of damages and verified that there is no power, communication is poor because telco lines are down, roads are blocked by fallen trees and debris.

Palma said his office is open to accept donations in case and in kind, adding that the office of Cebu Caritas Inc. is doing the same.

Essential needs as of the moment are food, bottled drinking water, unleaded gasoline for generator sets, sleeping mats, flashlights, and hygiene kit.

The Archdiocese of Cebu, through is charity arm Cebu Caritas Inc., has reported that there are more than 14,000 families from 13 parishes that have been affected by the damage caused by Typhoon Odette.

"As of 2:58pm, there are 14,056 families from 13 parishes that are affected," according to a report distributed to media outlets.

Fr. Harvey Agoncillo, from San Jose Parish in Barangay Rosario in Aloguinsan, there are two casualties, 265 families are affected and some of them are now evacuated at the parish church.

Caritas also said that Carcar City and the towns of Sibonga, Argao, and Aloguinsan sustained heavy damage.

"Aside from unavailability of electricity and communication signal, the road from Dalaguete to Alcoy, boundary from Brgy. Consolacion and Brgy. Obong is not passable since a bridge has been damaged. Road from Barili to Dumanjug is not also passable," Caritas reported.

Cebu Caritas, Inc. is now trying to reach severely affected parishes for damage assessment. -- BAP, GMA News