Six months after typhoon Ketsana submerged 80 per cent of Metro Manila and nearby areas, thousands of evacuees are still in the evacuation centers and tent cities. As the months drag on, it’s children who suffer the most.

“We can no longer go back to our house,” explains 11-year-old Leslie Ann. “It was totally destroyed.”  Leslie’s family is among the nearly 200,000 families who lost their homes when Ketsana tore through the area September 26.

 “We are poor,” she says. “My mother works as a laundry woman and my father is a tricycle driver. Even with their combined earnings, we cannot afford to build a new house.” The family’s house was located by the river which is still considered a hazardous area by the government. Returning there is currently prohibited.

“There are 11 people in my family so food is of utmost importance,” shares Leslie. “My parents’ immediate concern is living from day to day,” she adds.

Six months of misery

For six months now, Leslie and her family have been living in an evacuation centre in Cainta with more than 500 others. Media reports state that more than 24,000 people or more than 5,000 families are still in similar evacuation centres. The government is still looking into relocation sites for Leslie’s and other affected families.

In the mean time, life in the camps is harsh. “We sleep without eating if my parents have no income for the day,” says Leslie, as she wipes her tears, stopping from time to time to gather her emotions. Occasionally, she’s allowed to eat with friends’ families in the centre.

Makeshift living quarters are covered with old blankets used as walls to create some privacy between them and the family on the other side.

“The evacuation centre is cramped,” says Leslie. “Imagine us sleeping side by side, my nine siblings, my father and my mother.” Hygiene is also an issue as there are only seven toilets and two bathing areas. Children playing nearby seem unaware of the stench.

Charlotte’s story

Another child, 10-year-old Charlotte, shares her struggles in the camp.“I have to sleep in the bleachers because our makeshift sleeping area is not enough,” she explains. The cold floor has been her bed since they evacuated in October.

“I already lost weight as food is also scarce,” she says. “My father’s earning as a vendor is not enough. My sister would help but then she has her own family to feed as well.” Charlotte says sometimes her sister and husband fight because they have no money to buy food.

Her studies are suffering as they continue to stay in the evacuation centre. “My school things including my uniform and shoes were lost during the flood and have not yet been replaced,” she says. “Sometimes I do not go to school because I have to take care of my younger sibling while my sister looks for a job.”

When her sister has money, Charlotte does not ask for replacement notebooks and other school items. “I would rather she spend the money on food because I am happy she pays for my studies. She doesn’t want me to stop,” says Charlotte.

Danger and dreams

Children in the evacuation centre seem to know that their safety is in question. “It is noisy here,” shares Charlotte. “Often times people fight. There are many people and there are cases of theft.”

Both children have the same dream.

“I hope for a new house so that we will no longer have a difficult life,” Leslie says with tears.

NOTE TO EDITOR:

World Vision is committed to helping families like Leslie’s and Charlotte’s realize their dreams of a brighter future. A program and needs assessment is set to be conducted next month in areas where World Vision was previously assisting.