Three months after Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, World Vision has assisted more than 680,000 people with food, shelter and hygiene relief packs, exceeding the initial 400,000 target by more than a quarter of a million people.
The response will now focus on helping families and communities rebuild, after initially responding with emergency assistance. World Vision’s Haiyan Response Manager Mike Weickert said that restoring livelihoods, reconstructing homes, protecting children and rebuilding community infrastructure are among the top priorities for the response.
“We’re now working towards helping families get back on their feet for the longer term. We are ready to help equip survivors with new skills to earn an income, help families repair and rebuild their homes, and fix damaged schools and health care centres,” Mr Weickert said.
World Vision’s Haiyan Children in Emergencies Manager Patrick Sooma said in 60 of the hardest hit villages, World Vision opened safe places for some 20,000 children to recover from the psychosocial impact of the storm. It has also provided much needed support to the most vulnerable women and children affected by the crisis.
“When children arrived, they were afraid. Living through and watching the devastation of Haiyan hit them hard emotionally. Over the course of nearly three months, by attending the daily sessions, we saw children overcome their stress, smiles return and play rekindled,” Mr Sooma said.
In partnership with the World Food Program, World Vision’s 90-day response also focused on providing unconditional cash grants to Haiyan survivors in locations where markets were restored quickly after the storm. Almost $1.7 million was distributed to more than 52,000 beneficiaries to help them recover.
“In the next phase of our response, as local markets work more effectively, we will see more cash for work projects. This will allow us to be more effective and will give beneficiaries more choice in the items they purchase,” Mr Weickert said.
To donate to World Vision Australia’s Typhoon Haiyan Appeal, call 13 32 40 or go to www.worldvision.com.au