 The calm after the storm has yet to reach residents of the Philippines. After Typhoon Ketsana lashed the capital city Manila at the end of September, further storms have wreaked havoc on the surrounding area. Team members serving with OM Philippines are already distributing food among the region’s poorest communities. Having made an assessment of the situation and needs on the ground, Director Jun Diaz has appealed for funds to help move the relief work forward.
In just 12 hours, Ketsana dumped a month’s worth of rainfall on Manila, a larger volume than Typhoon Katrina unleashed. In some of the worst flooding the Philippines has ever experienced, close to 300 residents lost their lives and over 3 million people were made homeless. Days later, Typhoon Parma battered the country and compounded the suffering of those trying to recover. Further heavy rainfall in northern Luzon island has resulted in landslides and flooding – and another 160 dead.
OM Philippines’ staff have experienced the extreme weather conditions firsthand. The team’s headquarters is located in Cainta Town, a suburb of Manila that was severely affected by Ketsana, and the office premises were quickly overwhelmed with flood waters. Working alongside the national emergency services and local churches, OM Philippines is seeking to raise £60,000 to assist 700 families. The focus of the assistance is towards meeting two needs; to provide immediate short-term food relief to slum residents, and to supply building materials to those who have lost their homes.
Donations to the appeal (designated ‘Typhoon Ketsana Relief Project’) can be made to Operation Mobilisation at The Quinta, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry SY10 7LT. Credit cards gifts can also be made by calling 01691 778378 or directly through our website by clicking "Mercy Appeal Giving" on the right hand column.
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