World Vision is responding to the needs of thousands of families in the Philippines after Tropical Storm Washi and flash floods devastated parts of the country on Saturday.
With more than 35,000 people being housed in evacuation centres, World Vision said today that water, ready-to-eat food and hygiene kits remain the most urgent needs.
"The focus now is on providing water and simple foods to children and families," said World Vision aid worker John Salva, describing access to water as particularly critical. "People are walking in the streets with no shoes, their clothes muddied, carrying containers trying to find sources of water.”
World Vision relief teams are responding 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, blankets, sleeping mats and cooking utensils.
In addition, World Vision will distribute vouchers worth about $35 USD (Php 1,500) to enable families to buy additional food and replace critical everyday items they may have lost in the flooding or mudslides. Distributions to another 3,000 families in Iligan are also being planned.
Some survivors have begun trying to clean out their houses but the lack of access to water is a major hindrance for clean-up work. "The mud that has covered the roads and filled people’s homes is a real concern as we look toward the recovery phase," Salva said. "In some areas the mud is up to people's knees, in other areas up to their waists."
The needs of children will remain a top priority for World Vision teams working in the region. A Child-Friendly Space will be set up to provide the youngest survivors a safe place to play. World Vision also plans to distribute school supplies to some 10,000 school children.
To donate to World Vision Australia’s Emergency & Preparedness Fund click
here or call
13 32 40
To interview a World Vision spokesperson in the Philippines call World Vision Australia media officer
Chloe Adams on +61 427 413 816