World Vision steps up Typhoon Bopha aid as death toll climbs

Thursday, December 6, 2012

The death toll from Typhoon Bopha has climbed to nearly 300 people as World Vision works to deliver aid to survivors in the Philippines.

The massive storm devastated parts of the southern island of Mindanao and the Vasayan Islands, with winds reaching up to 210km/h and causing huge ocean surges, flashfloods and landslides. Locals lost power for several hours and communication lines also went down.

As the storm fades and the recue and relief efforts increase, the people of the Philippines have been left confronting the damage left behind by the worst storm to hit since last year’s deadly Typhoon Washi.

A member of World Vision’s assessment team, Arlo Ramos, said there is a huge demand for fresh drinking water across parts of Agusan after flashfloods destroyed local wells and made some roads impassable.

“(It was) really heartbreaking as we passed by Compostela Valley. There are scattered trees and mud, even on highway roads, due to landslides,” Mr Ramos said. “Some families were left homeless and had no choice but to stay in makeshift shelter just on the side roads.”

World Vision Australia’s acting head of Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Karen Alexander said without proper water and sanitation communities were vulnerable to outbreaks of disease.

“To lose almost 300 people to Typhoon Bopha is heartbreaking, but now we need to get to work to stop more people dying for want of clean water and sanitation,” Ms Alexander said. “Our assessment teams have gone into affected communities and are working with them and local authorities to provide emergency supplies as quickly as possible.”

More than 271,000 people have been affected by the typhoon, and World Vision has implemented an emergency response to provide 40,000 people with food, water purification, and non-food items such as blankets, soap and cooking utensils.

But relief work is being carried out under the shadow of another typhoon, with local weather services warning another storm could hit the region before the end of the year.

To donate to the Emergency Preparedness Fund, which helps World Vision respond to disasters, call 13 32 40 or go to www.worldvision.com.au

Media Releases, Emergencies, Asia and the Pacific, Disaster relief, Philippines, Typhoon Bopha

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