MEMBERS of the clergy in areas affected by Severe Tropical Storm Maring on Tuesday have asked the faithful to pray for those affected by the weather disturbance.

Rev. Fr. Andy Semana, Tuguegarao archdiocese social action director, said some 14 parishes were affected by the storm.

“We have initial reports that Sta. Ana, Gonzaga, Sta. Teresita, including Baggao were flooded and also areas going to Ilocos, the towns of Abulog, Aparri, Sanchez Mira, and Claveria were also affected we are waiting for concrete data from them,” he said in an interview with Radyo Veritas.

Semana reported that as of Tuesday morning, the weather in Cagayan’s capital city has slightly improved, except for some strong winds.

He said their office is preparing for the possibility of immediate relief response.

“Initially, our Archbishop [Archbishop Ricardo Baccay] has allocated funds so that in case a relief operation is needed, we can immediately provide something to the families,” he added.

Meanwhile, Baguio diocese social action director Fr. Noli Panayo, also asked for prayers for those affected by floods and landslides in some areas of Benguet.

“Let’s continue to pray for one another. I ask everyone to please pray for us here in the Diocese of Baguio, especially those who were badly affected by this (Severe Tropical Storm) Maring,” he said in a radio interview.

Panayo some roads in the province are impassable due to landslides.

“As of now, the road to Halcema Highway is still closed due to landslides in the municipality of Atok, Benguet,” he said

Panayo added that some homes were affected by landslides particularly in the Dominican-Mirador Hill area in Baguio City where three people were reported missing.

Three persons were reported dead due to a landslide in Barangay Central Ambiong in La Trinidad town.

“There are buried houses here on the Dominican hill, near Mirador hill. A member of the family was rescued. He is safe but the three, a grandfather and two grandchildren are still missing. But search and rescue operations are ongoing… In Barangay Central Ambiong, three children died. And we still have to confirm it and we will go to it later,” he said.

Currently, the dioceses and local government units continue to gather data on the total number of affected families and damaged properties. Philippine News Agency