Typhoon Megi hits northern Philippines: World Vision response underway

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

World Vision is set to deploy two teams to Cagayan and Isabela in the northern Philippines to assess needs and provide initial emergency aid, after super Typhoon Megi (local name Juan) made landfall yesterday afternoon. 

Over 2,000 relief goods consisting of canned goods, noodles, biscuits, dried fish, milk, bottled water, coffee and sugar, and 1,520 packs of used clothing have been prepositioned in coordination with community partners, for distribution to families in evacuation centres. 

Roads and bridges have been damaged and left impassable. Families have relocated to safer ground for fear of landslides and flooding. Schools were closed and residents advised to be on alert. 

“This was the highest typhoon alert since Typhoon Durian in 2007,” said Boy Bersales, World Vision Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs director. Bersales estimates about 1.48 million people could be affected in some way. 

Initial reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) say that 637 families or 3,106 individuals have been evacuated in Cagayan and Isabela. 

The province of Isabela has declared a state of emergency, with expected heavy damage to the province's crops, power and communication. 

Bersales said communities in the affected areas were prepared for disasters, with the region being prone to typhoons all year round. 

“But this is a super typhoon, we expect damages to be extensive and economic repercussions will be high, especially given that the crops are ready for harvest,” said Bersales. 

The province of Isabela is a major producer of rice and corn for the region. 

World Vision currently helps over 120,000 children in the Philippines, and assists over 7,000 sponsored children in Isabela and Cagayan. 

Spokespersons: 
Jose “Boy” Bersales, Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Director 
Mobile no.: +63 9393313481 

Filomena “Minnie” Portales, Advocacy and Communications Director 
Mobile no.: +63 9175342165; Email: Minnie_portales@wvi.org 

Gjeff Lamigo, Communications Manager 
Mobile no.: +639162407502 , Email: gjeff_lamigo@wvi.org 

In the field: 
Fe Olonan, Programme Manager 
Mobile No.: +63 9178274069, (6378) 682-2363 Email: fe_olonan@wvi.og 

Media Releases, Emergencies, Asia and the Pacific, Disaster relief, Flood, Foreign Aid, Philippines, Typhoon

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