Manila: Seven archdioceses and dioceses have been affected by Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi), which lashed several areas in Luzon and the Visayas last week, Caritas Philippines said Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the affected regions include the Archdioceses of Lipa and Caceres, and the Dioceses of Masbate, Romblon, Sorsogon, Gumaca, and Bacolod. Caritas Philippines is working closely with the local Caritas Diocese Social Action Centers (DSACs) in these areas to address the crisis.

Caritas, which serves as the humanitarian, development, and advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), announced plans for an emergency meeting to outline the necessary steps for providing aid to the impacted dioceses. The organization is also preparing to launch a local emergency appeal to support the relief efforts.

Immediate necessities identified by Caritas include food items, temporary shelter, shelter repair kits, solar lamps and chargers, and portable generator sets. The Diocese of Masbate has specifically called for donations to assist affected communities within the province.

Caritas Masbate, in a social media post, indicated that donations of rice, safe drinking water, and shelter repair materials can be delivered to their relief operations center at St. Patrick Parish in Barangay Tugbo, Masbate City. Financial contributions can be sent through GCash (0926 645 5971 – Paul Richard Dy), BPI (3619 1176 45 – Paul Richard Dy), and PNB (253170001502 – Caritas Masbate General Fund).