World Vision is responding to a massive flood in the Philippines, which has submerged 80 per cent of the capital and affected over 400,000 in Manila and neighbouring provinces.
Typhoon Ondoy (also referred to as Typhoon Ketsana) brought a month’s rain in less than seven hours and killed at least 100 people—making it the worst disaster to hit the capital in decades.
World Vision Responding
World Vision is aiming to reach 20,000 families—approximately 100,000 people—with food and non-food items in four of the worst affected areas of Manila: Marikina, Cainta, Rizal and Pasig.
Thousands of homes in these areas, many of them poor settlements by rivers are still badly affected. Scores of families have lost everything to ceiling-high flood waters that brought mud, debris and garbage and which left victims on their roofs for as long as 20 hours without food or water.
Several World Vision sponsored children and communties have been affected by the flooding. Staff in the Philippines are working to determine the well being of all sponsored children. World Vision Canada staff will be contacting sponsors of affected children.
“The impact of this typhoon on Manila has been shocking,” said World Vision’s Philippines National Director Elnora Avarientos, “The city is in a state of trauma and disbelief following this massive and sudden flooding. Many have lost everything, including bedding, food, education materials and clothing. The poorest living in slums and settlements are especially badly hit.”
World Vision’s longer term response will focus on providing food and non-food items and helping communities recover by organizing food and cash for work program to clean up streets, community structures and schools. Staff will also be setting up child friendly spaces.
Relief has also been dispatched. World Vision has been working in partnership with the Philippine Coastguard to distribute relief packs to people in some of the worst affected areas.
Please Help
World Vision is urgently working to meet its appeal for US $2 million to help 100,000 affected people. Please consider helping families affected by this disaster.
