Tropical Storm Washi: World Vision response

Philippine Floods from Tropical Storm Washi

Tropical Storm Washi: World Vision response

December 18, 2011, Cagayan de Oro City, the Philippines--As search and rescue efforts shift to relief assistance for the survivors of Mindanao's devastating flooding, World Vision's relief manager in Mindanao, John Salva, said today that water, ready-to-eat food and hygiene kits remain the most urgent needs for affected families.

"The focus now is on providing water and simple foods to children and families," Mr Salva said, 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," he reported.

Some survivors are still in the water, clinging to debris - villagers are crying out for fuel to go and rescue them before it's too late. World Vision and local partners are trying to provide fuel. The force of the water was so strong that bodies are being recovered from neighbouring villages.

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 utensils.

In addition, World Vision will distribute vouchers worth about £20 (Php 1,500) to the 5,000 families so they can buy food and replace critical everyday items they may have lost in the flooding or mudslides. Distributions to another 3,000 families in Iligan is also being planned.

"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."

"Children's needs will remain World Vision's top focus in our relief efforts," said Salva, whose aid teams are planning to set up a Child-Friendly Space to provide youngest survivors a safe place to play. World Vision also plans to distribute school supplies to some 10,000 school children.

World Vision UK is giving funds to the Philippines through our General Emergencies Fund that our supporters generously provide. The money is for situations just like this, where a disaster requires funding to help provide immediate supplies such as blankets and fresh drinking water to children and families who are suffering the most.

December 18 2011