The Salvation Army in The Philippines is being inundated with requests for help after a week in which the region was battered by torrential storms and a typhoon. The country's authorities were already struggling to deal with the aftermath of storms on Monday, which left 500 people dead and hundreds missing, when Typhoon Nanmadol hit just three days later. The typhoon caused less damage then feared but around 170,000 people were forced to flee their homes in search of safety on higher ground.
Reports from news agencies say that mud slides and flash floods have turned parts of Quezon province and other areas facing the Pacific Ocean into a sea of mud, littered with bodies, uprooted trees, collapsed homes and bridges.
More than 1,000 families have already appealed to The Salvation Army for assistance. Commissioner Robin Dunster, leader of The Salvation Army in The Philippines reports: 'Volunteer Salvationists and officers are actively involved in giving food, kitchen utensils, clothing and counselling. More victims need food, blankets, medicine and housing.' Relief teams have been dispatched but local disaster funds have already been exhausted.
This mirrors the situation experienced by the government. Launching an appeal for international assistance, President Gloria Arroyo visited some of the worst-affected areas. Deforestation, the result of illegal logging, has left large areas vulnerable to storm damage and contributed to the terrible mud slides which have swamped homes and villages. Some water and food supplies have been contaminated, leading to fears that diarrhoea and other diseases will cause widespread problems.
Funds are urgently requested to assist the emergency response. Donations can be directed to the ‘South Pacific Flood Response’.
International Emergency Services Coordinator
