Sibuyan Island, Romblon, Philippines
Early this morning, the inhabitants along the coastal and riverbank areas of the ice-age island of Sibuyan in the middle of the Philippine archipelago started to evacuate to higher grounds because of typhoon Frank. Houses, villages and houses, among others, along the seacoasts and rivers are totally washed-out by big waves and strong current of overflowing rivers.
Evacuees are now housed in churches, schools and homes of families who are not affected. To this hour, an estimate of 10,000 people are affected by the typhoon."I am so afraid. The sea-level is rising very fast and the waves are as big as a two-storey house," Glori Macato, a public teacher, says while shivering.The parish church and the public plaza of San Fernando are now full of evacuees, the Church is doing its best respond to the needs of the people," says Sr. Lucy Caballero, a nun working for Basic Ecclesial Communities.
M/V Princess of the Star of Sulpicio Lines is now stranded on one of the coastlines of the island. This 44,860-hectare island in the province of Romblon has been in the limelight because of the island-people's strong opposition to the tough push of mining industry by the Philippine government which shall devastate almost 20,400 hectares.
Sibuyanons appeal to the Philippine government, especially to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as she and her companions who are flying to the United States tonight.
In this regard, in behalf of the island people, the Sibuyan Island Sentinels League for the Environment, Inc., (Sibuyan ISLE), is appealing for any help you may extend such as medicine, blankets, canned goods, noodles, among others.
RODNE R. GALICHA
Coordinator
Sibuyan Island Sentinels League for Environment, Inc. (Sibuyan ISLE) /
Sibuyanons Against Mining (SAM)
E-mail: kalikasan101@gmail.com
Website:http://www.sibuyan.com
Phone: +63.918.269.7059
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