The damage caused by Typhoon "Helen" in the huge city of Manila is very severe: some reports affirm there are 800,000 displaced people, over a total of about 20 million inhabitants, 86 deaths and devastation of entire neighborhoods, especially the poorest which have expanded in the hollows, depressions and areas already at risk.
The risk of illness increases because of the failure of the sewerage system and lack of drinking water, but also for moisture faced by slum dwellers.

The Community of Sant'Egidio present in various districts of the city did not fail to support: the approximately 150 families having children attending the school of peace were approached one by one during the rains. The new headquarters of Mandaluyong serves as a collection point for food, clothing and blankets.
Here we are preparing the first parcels of emergency, where there's not only food but also a small supply of mineral water intended for small children.

Until now, the aid was distributed in 5 areas of the city still half-submerged, with water in some places reaching to the knees.

A chapel in the Cainta district where the prayer of Sant'Egidio is regularly held has suffered extensive damage, but was used to collect the children and their families, who received gifts, singing, encouragement and smiles.

Undaunted, all gave a hand to clean the desks and walls off the mud, to thank the Lord and continue to seek his protection.