Philippines
(MNN) — Last month, Typhoon Washi devastated two cities in northern Mindanao
in the Philippines. A report from the National Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) estimated damages at roughly $32
million.
While
the crisis has faded from the headlines, many survivors are still struggling with
finding adequate shelter, medicine, or clean water. According to the International Red Cross, over
1,200 people lost their lives, 50,000 homes sustained damages, and 1.14 million
people were affected in some capacity by the storm and subsequent flooding.
In
the wake of the storm, authorities said some land remained unsafe for
rebuilding and forbade people to return to their homes. There's also a risk of
waterborne disease, and hospitals in the region have been put on alert. Because of the situation, the Red Cross
doubled its aid request to $6.1 million.
Food
for the Hungry /Philippines is also responding to help survivors through a local
network of Campus Crusade for Christ. FH/Philippines is supporting the work of Campus
Crusade for Christ by providing food, water, and other emergency needs
for displaced families. Additional
supplies are still needed, including food, water, mats, blankets and hygiene
kits.
Food
for the Hungry is doing as much as possible in the region through Light of the World Church and
another Wesleyan church in the region.
Aside from the meeting the physical needs, the ministry team is
sensitive to the emotional and spiritual needs that have manifested since
December. Church partners are building relationships
with those they're helping, and finding Gospel opportunities. Through other partnerships, they're starting
Child Friendly Spaces. This is a place created that helps children cope with
the massive upheaval and loss they've just experienced.
FH long-term plans will help the affected communities re-establish
infrastructure and develop small businesses and education opportunities.
FH relief workers are trained to ensure a community's
culture stays intact. It's why they
strive to continue operating until the community can care for itself and
flourish. The job is finished when the community no longer needs assistance and
can care for itself — the goal of every relief and development mission.
