Act for Peace’s partners respond to tropical storm in Philippines
22/12/2011 2:12:54 PM
Act for Peace’s partners in the Philippines are assessing damage wreaked by Tropical Storm Washi on December 16. Washi caught thousands of people unaware as they slept,and the course of the storm followed a more southerly trajectory than most tropical storms and typhoons in the Philippines.
Act for Peace’s partner, the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), and other ACT Alliance members, are carrying out damage and needs assessment. There is an urgent need for food, medicine, potable water, clothing, sleeping paraphernalia and temporary shelter. Psychosocial assistance is also badly needed for people traumatised by their experience.
“Many of our churches have opened up their churches, centres and other facilities to accommodate evacuees because there is not enough space for all evacuees in the government designated evacuation centres,” said a spokesperson from the NCCP. “In which case, we have to support the food needs of these evacuees and other basic necessities.”
The severe tropical storm struck the southern Philippines on December 16, causing landslides and massive flooding on the island of Mindanao. Two major cities in northern Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City, were extensively damaged, as were many smaller coastal villages along the northern parts of the island. According to the most recent reports by the Philippine disaster management authorities, the number of people affected by the flash floods has doubled over the past three days. More than 63,000 families, or 338,000 people, have lost their homes and belongings due to the storm waters. More than 280,000 residents have taken shelter in evacuation centers in the disaster area, and more than 1,500 people are injured. The death toll now nears 1,000. Over 800 people are still missing.
