As a potential super typhoon nears, the Diocese of Virac has announced it will open the doors of its parish and mission churches to serve as evacuation centers for residents seeking shelter. “For generations, our churches have been a place of refuge and safe haven for everyone, regardless of religion,” the diocese said in a social media post. “In this time of need, we welcome everyone to seek shelter and safety within our walls,” it added.
However, the diocese urged caution, noting that some churches and chapels may not be suitable as evacuation area due to structural concerns or their location in flood-prone and landslide-prone areas. “The safety of our evacuees is our utmost priority,” it emphasized. The diocese called on residents to remain vigilant as Typhoon Pepito approaches, and to pray for the protection and strength of all those affected by the storm.
In Eastern Samar province, the Diocese of Borongan has called for prayers as the typhoon moves closer, as it urged the faithful to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions. The Archdiocese of Caceres in Camarines Sur province also released an “oratio imperata” or obligatory prayer for God “to deliver us from all dangers”. A tropical cyclone that may develop into a super typhoon as it moves closer to the Philippine landmass, the state weather bureau said Friday afternoon.
PAGASA said Pepito was 465 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar as of 5 p.m., packing maximum sustained winds of 150 kilo.