The World Council of Churches (WCC) has extended its solidarity to the people of the Philippines following the devastation caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi, which has claimed at least 188 lives, according to the latest reports.

In a letter sent from the WCC headquarters in Geneva to churches in Manila, the organization’s General Secretary, Rev. Prof. Jerry Pillay, conveyed deep condolences to the victims and called on the global community to respond with both prayer and action.

“We grieve every life lost and every family that suffers loss,” Rev. Pillay wrote. “At the same time, we affirm our faith that in Christ we are called to serve in both sorrow and hope — to heal wounds, rebuild what is destroyed, and walk alongside those who suffer.”

According to Philippine authorities, Kalmaegi was among the most destructive storms to hit the country in recent years. Reuters reported that more than two million people were affected, with over half a million displaced from their homes. The central islands of Cebu and Leyte were among the hardest hit, experiencing severe flooding and landslides triggered by torrential rains.

The WCC noted that many Christian communities in the Philippines responded immediately to the disaster — opening church doors to evacuees, setting up temporary shelters, and organizing collections of food and essential supplies.

“This ministry of love in action is a powerful witness to the Gospel of Christ,” Rev. Pillay emphasized, expressing gratitude to local churches for their compassion and commitment.

The WCC leader also called for renewed international focus on climate justice and the protection of the world’s most vulnerable regions.

“The growing frequency and intensity of weather-related disasters remind us of our responsibility for God’s creation and the urgent need to build systems that can safeguard the most defenseless,” he said.

Just days before the storm struck, on November 2, Orthodox Christians on the island of Boracay gathered in prayer for protection. The service, led by Father David Grabbs directly on the beach, was dedicated to asking God to preserve lives and homes as the storm approached.

“When disaster looms, we must prepare not only physically but spiritually,” Father David said. “Prayer is our first answer to fear and anxiety — for no storm is stronger than the love of God.”

Meanwhile, meteorologists have warned that the Philippines could soon face another severe weather event. Super Typhoon Fung-wong is moving toward the archipelago and is expected to make landfall late on November 9 or early November 10. Authorities have placed emergency services and civil aviation on high alert.