World Vision ready to respond to Typhoon Yutu threat

Monday, October 29, 2018

Thousands of survivors of Typhoon Mangkhut, which devastated the northern Philippines last month, are today bracing for yet another natural disaster.

Typhoon Yutu (locally known as Typhoon Rosita) is expected to hit northern Luzon Island tomorrow. Families in the area are already displaced and living in makeshift shelters after last month’s category five storm killed 134 people in the Philippines, mainland China and Taiwan.

“I’m worried about my children, especially for my 3-year old,” says 45-year old Benita from Alcala, Cagayan. “They’ve been through a lot this year. I’m more afraid now because we already lost our house.”

With heavy rains and very strong winds expected, communities have been warned not to be complacent. An update showed the typhoon has slightly intensified and could reach maximum sustained winds of 170 km/h.

“It is heart-breaking to know that the same children and families are facing the exact same experience,” says World Vision’s Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs director, Ajab-Aram Macapagat whose team has been working in North Luzon since Typhoon Mangkhut hit last month.

“While we hope the typhoon will not cause further damage to families that have already been affected, World Vision stands ready to provide emergency essentials if the need arises.”

World Vision’s on-going emergency response to Typhoon Mangkhut has reached about 18,000 people through provision of emergency essentials, setting up of child-friendly spaces and support for shelter and livelihoods. The organisation also supports more than 1000 children in Isabela province through its established development programs.

Typhoon Mangkhut, which struck on September 15, has affected more than 3.8 million people and damaged 300,000 houses. It also decimated farmlands, leaving USD 535 million worth of damage in agriculture.

“After leaving behind major damage in the Northern Marina Islands, I’m really hoping the typhoon will weaken as it nears landfall in the Philippines," says World Vision’s Field and Emergency Communications Officer in the Philippines, Joy Maluyo.

“I’ve visited the affected communities these past days and many children are now more vulnerable to the possible impact of the typhoon. Many families are still living in makeshift house that couldn’t withstand strong to very strong winds.”

 

For interviews or further information please contact:

Brianna Piazza (emergencies media officer) 0408 624 934 or brianna.piazza@worldvision.com.au

 

PHOTO: 3-year old Aira sits in front of her family’s makeshift house

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