ADRA Philippines aids victims of tropical storm Washi

On December 16 tropical storm Washi (local name Sendong) made landfall in the eastern parts of Mindanao, Philippines. The authorities have reported widespread floods,  power outages, scattered landslides, and flashfloods that closed roads, stranded commuters, submerged entire barangays (villages), severed power supply lines, and caused damages and losses of properties. The extremely heavy rainfall during the night, more than 200 mm in less than 24 hours, caused severe flashfloods and landslides, especially in Region X on December 17. The cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan were the hardest hit.

 More than 700 hundred thousand people were affected in 13 provinces.  A total of 1,257 people have been reported dead, 4,658 injured, and 98 are still missing. Currently, 70% of the families affected are being served by the national government and different humanitarian agencies. Initial cost of damages, both agriculture and infrastructure, amounted to US$ 32 million.

In quick response to the surmounting needs, ADRA Philippines distributed 12 kgs. of rice and 8 kgs, of other food stuff per family to 735 families in Iligan City and 750 families in Cagayan de Oro on December 19-21 with the value of the items totaling $40,000.

ADRA has implemented a cash transfer program with the support of ADRA International as well as ADRA country programs in  Canada, UK, Australia, and Norway, and the North Philippine Union Conference of SDA. Contributions totaling US$ 72,500 are assisting 850 families in various evacuation centers within Iligan City. Each family received Php 2,000 in cash cards for the first transfer on December 29, 2011 with the final transfer of Php 1,000 per family scheduled for January 9, 2012.
ADRA Germany has funded a REDO water purification unit in ADRA Philippines and will provide potable water for the affected families in Cagayan de Oro City. ADRA is also cooperating with the Global Medic in Iligan City to implement the water purification unit using their own equipment. ADRA Canada has donated $10,000 to this operation.

 In an effort to provide temporary shelters to more than 130 families, ADRA Philippines has submitted proposals to the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) through ADRA Canada as well as the Japan Platform through ADRA Japan.

There are still great needs to be addressed. Tens of thousands of families have lost homes and livelihoods. The most vulnerable groups such as women, children, disabled persons and the elderly need shelter, food, and clean drinking water. [ADRA Philippines]

[Photos by ADRA]