World Vision response

World Vision relief teams have mobilised to provide 7,000 families in Cagayan de Oro with drinking water, rice, biscuits, and canned goods, as well as emergency items like hygiene kits with soap, blankets, sleeping mats, cooking pots and feeding utensils. Distributions to another 3,000 families in Iligan are also underway.

A Child Friendly Space has been established in Cagayan de Oro, with plans to set up 3 more in the same city and Iligan.

Background information

Tropical Storm Washi lashed the island of Mindanao in The Philippines on Friday 16 December.  The cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan were the worst hit, with torrents of water and mud sent through villages and mountainsides.  Houses were swept into rivers and out to sea.

Overnight, as the storm approached, World Vision staff had worked with local authorities to warn residents living in the mountain slopes and in the low-lying and flood-prone areas of the danger of flash floods and landslides. However, the sheer volume of water and the fact that the flooding happened at night while there was no electricity took people by surprise, killing those trapped in their homes. Many of the bodies were children and the elderly who could not escape.

Children sponsored by Australians

No areas where children sponsored by Australians live are affected by the flooding. However, please be assured that if we receive information of concern regarding any sponsored children we will contact sponsors immediately.]

How you can help

Support for the Emergency & Preparedness Fund enables World Vision to prepare for emergencies by pre-stocking and positioning life-saving supplies and ensuring trained staff are available to be on the scene quickly, to respond to emergencies.

Find out more about our Emergency & Preparedness Fund or donate now.