Latest update: 3.50pm 5/10/2009

Typhoon Parma struck the northern coast of Luzon Island, the Philippines, on 3 October. Nearly 70,000 individuals have been affected and 17 people have died.

As the typhoon’s devastating winds and rain move offshore, World Vision staff are distributing relief supplies and conducting assessments of survivors’ needs.

“There are many uprooted trees, as well as down power lines making roads impassable in some areas,” said Wilma Lacaden, a World Vision staff member in Cagayan Province. “Homes constructed of light materials were blown away. In many areas, there is no electricity, and rivers have overflowed making some towns and villages inaccessible.”

In the community of Isabela, World Vision staff Saturday night handed out food and candles to 200 families, and another 350 families in nearby Zambales were targeted Sunday for assistance.

“Each World Vision relief pack is designed to feed a family of five for upwards of two days and supplement food provided by local government agencies,” Wilma said.

Typhoon Parma is now stalling off the north-western section of Luzon and its direction is uncertain.

World Vision staff are continuing to conduct assessments of survivors’ needs in coordination with local government agencies.

You can read about World Vision's relief efforts in the Philippines here.