The Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro appealed for urgent help for victims of floods that affected several areas in the southern Philippines on Jan. 16.
Father Carl Cabaraban, social action coordinator of the archdiocese, said they are "in the process of accessing what is needed and the extent of the damage."
"What we need now is clean water, food, and dry clothes for those whose personal effects were damaged by the flood," said the priest.
The archdiocese has opened all churches to serve as evacuation centers.
Heavy rains caused the flooding, leaving thousands of people stranded, and communities submerged in mud and flood waters.
On Jan. 17, authorities declared the city of Cagayan de Oro under a "state of calamity" due to massive damage caused by the flooding.
City officials said at least 3,900 people were forced to leave their homes while thousands of students were stranded in schools.