Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is contributing NZ$25,000 towards relief efforts in the Philippines following massive flooding and landslides in and around the capital Manila.

Caritas Director Mike Smith says, "Our Caritas partner in the Philippines is responding quickly to help an initial 50,000 people in the most seriously affected areas."

Tropical storm Ketsana (or Typhoon Ondoy) is estimated to have killed over 140 people, displaced 150,000 and severely affected about half a million people. It is the worst flooding to hit Manila and surrounding areas in 42 years, as the equivalent of one month's rain fell in just 12 hours.

The Caritas contribution from New Zealand will help Caritas Philippines (NASSA) provide food, cooking utensils, shelter, personal hygiene items, and sleeping mats and bed sheets to those affected.

Caritas Philippines Executive Director Sr Rosanne Mallillin says, "The situation is very challenging. Many of our local social action centres are still unable to reach the worse-hit areas because of the debris and the flooding. People are in need of food and clean water, as many of the water sources have been contaminated."

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is accepting donations from people in New Zealand who wish to help those worst affected by the storm.

Donations can be made by:

· Phoning 0800 22 10 22 to make credit card donations or

* Donating online using a credit card at www.caritas.org.nz or

· Posting to: Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, PO Box 12193, Thorndon, Wellington 6144, New Zealand.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 165 Catholic aid, development and social justice agencies active in over 200 countries and territories.

For more information contact Martin de Jong +64-4-496 1742 or +64-21-909 688.