The world's strongest storm so far this year, Typhoon Ragasa, also known as Super Typhoon Nando, wreaked havoc in Asia, and resulted in more than two dozen deaths and the evacuation of thousands. Pope Leo XVI mentioned the victims on Sunday during the midday Angelus address.
In recent days, a very powerful typhoon has struck several Asian territories, in particular the Philippines, the island of Taiwan, the city of Hong Kong, the Guangdong region and Vietnam.
I assure the affected populations, especially the poorest, of my closeness and of my prayers for the victims, the missing, the many displaced families, the countless people who have suffered hardship, as well as the rescue workers and civil authorities.
I invite everyone to put their trust in God and to show solidarity with others. May the Lord give strength and courage to overcome every adversity.
The storm formed September 17 and was at peak intensity some five days later.
