SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is assessing the needs of those affected by Typhoon Durian in the Philippines, and leaders there are assisting with rescue and cleanup efforts.
News reports indicate that close to 400 people have been killed. More than 20,000 people have been affected by the typhoon and by the mudslides and flooding that occurred following the storm. An estimated 11,000 have been left homeless.
Church Update (as of Friday, 1 December 2006, 3:00 p.m. MST): All missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in the Philippines are safe and accounted for. Preliminary assessments indicate that over 600 member families have been affected by the mudslides and flooding. Two member children are confirmed dead. Two chapels have sustained water damage, while over 40 chapels are being used as temporary shelters.