Winnipeg’s Filipino community worries for loved ones as Typhoon hits

WINNIPEG – Members of Winnipeg’s Filipino community are anxiously waiting for word from their homeland as Typhoon Hagupit rips through coastal Philippine villages.

Close to one million people have been evacuated since the storm hit Saturday night.

“I’m worried because their house might get smashed again by the downpour of the rains and everything,” said Reymus Cagamean, who has family in the Philippines.

Cagamean fears for his two brothers who live in the typhoon’s destructive path.

Nearly 65,000 people who comprise Manitoba’s Filipino community are watching the destruction.

“A lot of people are glued to their television, telephone, and social media waiting for some news about their relatives and their families in the Philippines,” said Aida Champagne, president of the Filipino Seniors Group of Winnipeg.

At least three people have died because of this typhoon and it’s bringing up sombre memories of Haiyan, which hit last year, killing more than 7,000 people.

“Seeing it happening again this year is really hard to imagine. How can they have another typhoon?” said Armin Licardo, who has family in the Philippines.

Licardo said his brother is safe right now but preparing for the worst.

“They already put all of their things on the upper level on the house so they can be sure that it won’t get damaged if there’s a surge,” said Licardo.

Licardo is able to get in touch with his family but knows it can be tough for others to reach their loved ones. So on Sunday he handed out free calling cards at the Philippine-Canadian Centre of Manitoba.

If you would like to get one of the free calling cards, you can call Licardo at 204-899-5217.