Typhoon Cosme Advisory

The Tropical Storm Cosme lashed the areas of Northern Zambales, Pangasinan, Baguio City and La Union on May 17, requiring the evacuation of residents to safer grounds. The strong winds and heavy rains brought by Typhoon Cosme caused death, massive destruction to properties, livestock, infrastructure and farmlands. Most of the affected families were living near the coastal and mountainous areas. Many families lost their houses and means of livelihood. Cosme also damaged communication and electrical lines which are up to now remain unrestored.

Diocese of Iba, Zambales: The four (4) municipalities with thirty four (34) barangays affected by Typhoon Cosme in Northern Zambales were Iba, Masinloc, Candelaria and Sta Cruz. A total of 7,992 families (38,285 individuals) were badly affected. The Social Action Center of Zambales (SACZ) has mobilized their local resources to address the immediate needs of the victims. At present, they are continuously monitoring these affected areas through their social worker and BEC Coordinator to determine how best to serve the victims' need. The local government units have also conducted relief operations to their affected constituents. But because of the limited resources, the SACZ has coordinated with NASSA for relief assistance. The items that are needed for immediate distribution are rice, canned goods, noodles and various medicines.

Diocese of San Fernando , La Union : The Diocese of San Fernando, La Union was able to manage the disaster situation in their respective work areas. They have coordinated with the LGUs and they were able to provide and respond to the basic necessities of the affected areas. Most victims returned to their homes and are now repairing their damaged houses.

Diocese of Alaminos, Pangasinan: There are no concrete reports on the number of affected families and individuals; assessment and monitoring from different affected areas are on-going. 90% of the 331 barangays in Alaminos were affected by Typhoon Cosme which also claimed two lives and destroyed the houses of families living near the coastal areas. Some affected families are now staying at the barangay chapels while others went back to their respective barangays right after the typhoon to repair their damaged houses. Power and communication lines are still out in most barangays. St. Joseph Parish has started giving relief goods to the victims of different barangays affected, through the help of their volunteers and workers. The LGUs also provided relief goods to the victims.

Archdiocese of Lingayen-Dagupan: Around 45 % of the families have been left homeless after their houses were flattened by strong winds brought about by Typhoon Cosme. The roofs of the parish convents and schools were also destroyed, and communication facilities as well as electricity have not been restored. The Social Action Center of Lingayen-Dagupan has distributed relief goods and some local government units have responded to the immediate needs of the affected communities. Relief operations and evacuation of residents are on-going.

Needs: From the partial data gathered the victims of Typhoon Cosme need immediate relief assistance, especially food. The Social Action Centers are continuously coordinating with other agencies to generate resources that will support relief efforts.

Diocese of Urdaneta & Diocese of Baguio City : The Social Action Centers in both dioceses are still in the process of gathering information to come up with their concrete appeal for assistance to NASSA.

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