Filipinos are evacuating and flocking to stores for emergency supplies in droves as Typhoon Hagupit threatens to claim lives and cause widespread destruction, World Vision said today.
Australian aid worker and Typhoon Haiyan Response Operations Director Jenny MacCann is based in Tacloban and said that people are terrified of what might happen, with the memories of Typhoon Haiyan so fresh in their minds.
“We are expecting fierce winds, storm surge and flash floods which could cause significant damage to vulnerable areas devastated by Haiyan just one year ago,” Ms MacCann said.
World Vision has been working around the clock to help communities evacuate and prepare for the impact of this potentially deadly typhoon. Residents are heading to evacuation centres and queuing at stores to ensure they have emergency food items for their families.
“We have been sharing rapid, real-time updates to potentially affected communities about evacuation plans and how to best protect themselves from the effects of the typhoon,” Ms MacCann said.
The power supply in Tacloban is intermittent and expected to go off completely if Hagupit approaches with strong winds. The area has been in preparation mode for days with the city government declaring Thursday and Friday as non-working and non-school days to allow people to get ready for the incoming typhoon.
World Vision’s Typhoon Haiyan Response team based in Tacloban has prepositioned relief items of food, shelter kits, water purifiers and hygiene hits ready for distribution.
The humanitarian organisation is on standby and prepared to respond, closely monitoring provinces of Samar and Leyte and the island of Panay. World Vision’s international emergency response teams and warehouses, including Australia, are ready to deploy to the Philippines if needed.
To donate to World Vision Australia’s Disaster Ready call 13 32 40 or visit www.worldvision.com.au/disasterready
World Vision spokespeople are available for interview in Australia and the Philippines. Please contact Gabrielle Brophy on 0407 575 112 or gabrielle.brophy@worldvision.com.au