Caritas Australia partners are on the ground monitoring the impact of Super Typhoon Goni, the world’s most powerful storm this year, which has struck the Philippines and will soon hit Vietnam only a week after Typhoon Quinta.

Typhoon Goni hit the eastern island province of Catanduanes from the Pacific, with winds of 225 kilometres per hour and gusts of 280kph.

The storm moved through heavily populated regions including the main island of Luzon, causing at least 10 deaths and leaving three people missing, before shifting towards Vietnam. Over 390,000 people have fled their homes, including more than 345,000 people to evacuation centres, raising concerns about further spreading COVID-19. The Philippines has the second-highest number in South-East Asia, with 27,115 active cases.

Typhoon Goni has wreaked havoc on local communities still reeling from the impacts of Typhoon Quinta and COVID-19.

On October 23, Typhoon Quinta brought heavy rains and flooding to the Philippines, causing 22 deaths, 39 injuries and leaving 4 people missing. A further 176,532 families were affected by the typhoon across seven regions.

Typhoon Quinta damaged 52,689 houses were damaged, and caused 90 million pesos, equivalent to AUD $8,519,936.07, worth of infrastructure damage.

The National Director of Caritas Philippines, Bishop Colin Bagaforo, says "The typhoon will surely bring greater poverty to our communities, as they have also been battling against the effects of COVID-19. So with humility, we appeal for everyone's sincere acts of kindness, generosity and compassion."

Caritas Philippines is monitoring the progress of Typhoon Goni, and is currently working with local organisations to respond. At this stage, challenges include infrastructure damage and shelter.

Due to the impact of COVID-19, support will be channelled through Caritas Australia’s church and NGO partners on the ground. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been affected by the Typhoon and with communities in the Philippines and Vietnam, as they deal with this crisis on top of COVID-19 lockdowns.

If you would like to support emergencies like this donate to our Asia Emergency Appeal or call 1800 024 413 toll free.