DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE is committing $50,000 towards humanitarian aid in the southern island of Mindanao in the Philippines, which was hit by flash floods and landslides triggered by Tropical Storm Washi on December 17th and 18th.
Local authorities are reporting that over 640,000 have been affected by the floods, including 300,000 people who are now displaced and living in evacuation centers or with relatives. This region of the Philippines is not prone to tropical storms of this nature, and was unprepared for the constant downpour and strong winds, causing excessive damage and over one thousand deaths.
According to the latest situation reports from local organizations and authorities, the most immediate needs are drinking water, food, sanitation and hygiene kits and non-food Items, such as bedding, baby clothes and sleepers.
DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE is supporting the work of NASSA, the national Caritas member, and Ranaw Disaster Response and Rehabilitation Assistance Center (RDRRAC), in some of the worst-hit areas. NASSA will focus its work in the region of Negros Oriental and in Lanao del Norte, providing food, drinking water and non-food Items to the most vulnerable. RDRRAC is working with displaced populations living in the Iligan area, providing food items, sleeping materials, kitchenware, first aid kits and trauma healing sessions.
“We continue to pray for the victims of this tragic calamity,” says Fr. Edwin A. Gariguez, Executive Secretary of NASSA. “And we hope that we can share more the spirit of solidarity and hope with our brothers and sisters in need.”
Development and Peace is continuing to accept donations, as needs caused by this disaster are still being assessed.
Donations can be made by phone (1 888 234-8533), online at www.devp.org or by sending a cheque made out to DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE (please indicate Philippines Floods) to the following address:
Development and Peace
1425 René-Lévesque Blvd. W, 3rd Floor
Montreal QC H3G 1T7
www.devp.org
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