Assistance from World Vision for those Affected by Philippines Floods

Aug. 24, 2012 - PRLog -- Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, has been devastated by recent torrential downpours and people living here and in several nearby towns and villages have been evacuated.

Several hundred thousand people have been displaced. World Vision is providing aid in what could be the worst deluge since Tropical Storm Ketsana three years ago.

As a first reaction, World Vision’s emergency response team was dispatched to assess the situation and is now co-ordinating with government agencies in order to provide united aid to those affected.

Recent estimates showed that more than one million people will feel the effects of the floods, with a quarter of those - 250,000 people- being moved from their homes. Not only has first response aid been required – shelter, clothing and sustenance – but the now homeless evacuees require further support in rebuilding their lives.

“Flood waters reached our street...” said World Vision staff member, Erwin Sisracon, “Some of our neighbours are already staying on their rooftops. If rains continue to pour we won’t have a choice but to do the same.”

Erwin’s family was just one of many who were trapped by the floods and required evacuations. In many cases, it is not only homes that are at risk, but livelihoods. Families have reported moving livestock to elevated pens to keep them safe from flood water where possible.

During and immediately after the floods, the major roads became impassable, making it difficult to get aid to the affected nearby areas of Manila, Zambales, Malabon and Cavite. As the initial inundations start to ease off, Reynor Imperial, disaster relief manager, is now in the process of organising aid trips to these places.

One member of the World Vision team, Sally Gines, said: “I wasn’t able to leave our house because I was scared of the floods. Now we don’t have electricity here in our place as we prepare our lugaw (porridge) good for 20 displaced families who have joined us after fleeing their homes due to rising floods.”

World Vision UK are continuing to assist people in flooded areas and predict that the need for aid will continue after the last of the floods have subsided.

For the full story and further updates, please visit http://www.worldvision.org.uk/news/headlines/.