The Salvation Army Responds to Typhoon Durian in the Philippines

THE Salvation Army in The Philippines is undertaking an ambitious programme of assistance to people affected by Typhoon Durian. The category four storm caused massive damage and is thought to have resulted in more than 1,000 deaths. Following an assessment visit by a team of Salvation Army leaders, which met with local disaster coordination officials, Salvationists are providing food and other material assistance for an initial group of 1,500 affected families in the Legaspi vicinity.

It is estimated that many families will require ongoing assistance with food, clothing, kitchen utensils, medical supplies and personal items for several weeks. Local and regional Salvation Army resources are being used for getting the initial response off the ground but additional help is needed if relief efforts are to be sustained.

One of the Salvation Army workers who is now busy helping initially needed rescuing herself. Major Emma Obugan was stranded when her home and the local Salvation Army building were flooded with six feet of water. She was rescued after five hours by five men who swam to her aid and helped her to a two-storey house where she would be safe. Even though the major has lost nearly all her personal belongings, she is now busy helping others who are also trying to recover from the effects of Typhoon Durian.

When the situation eventually stabilises The Salvation Army will be meeting with authorities to determine what support may be required to help families begin to repair and rebuild their homes and communities. Donations are being sought for the South Pacific and East Asia Disaster Fund in order to help in the relief and recovery efforts.