Emergency Alert - Updated January 25, 2012 BACKGROUNDA severe tropical storm struck the southern Philippines on December 16, causing landslides and massive flooding on the island of Mindanao, where Lutheran World Relief is implementing a number of sustainable development projects. Two major cities in northern Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City, were badly hit, as were many surrounding areas. There have been 1,257 casualties reported, more than 4,663 injured, 101 remain missing and more than1.1 million affected, many living in areas where LWR works. Water access remains the priority concern as is shelter with more than 48,000 homes damaged and more than 13,000 completely destroyed. LWR staff on the ground report that 69,287 people are living in evacuation centers while an additional 391,747 people are staying with relatives or in makeshift structures. Evacuation centers are overcrowded, making hygiene and sanitation issues a serious concern. Diarrhea, wounds, and skin diseases have been reported. LWR local staff and partners have been directly impacted by the floods and at least one LWR project, which works with seaweed farmers in Hinatuan and Marihatag, experienced extensive damage. Families working with LWR to improve their crops and income saw their entire seaweed crop washed away in the floods. LWR IS RESPONDING
LWR and partners are responding in the areas of Surigao del Sur, Cagayan de Oro and Lanao del Sur. Thanks to a $31,500 grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, LWR is delivering water to 230 families in an impoverished area in western Cagayan de Oro through the end of January. Each family will receive 15 liters per person per day for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene, in accordance with Sphere standards, the generally accepted best practices in humanitarian response. Families will also receive jerry cans for water storage, and training on how to properly clean and care for the cans. And thanks to an $850,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, LWR is reaching out to flood-affected communities with emergency cash assistance to buy food, medicine and other necessities, as well distributing other critically needed items to flood-affected families. The grant will also support the provision of clean water, and longer-term work to rehabilitate livelihoods. Families in the area have also received LWR Quilts, Personal Care Kits and School Kits. Additionally, LWR is responding through its membership in the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian response and advocacy. LWR, its ACT partners and other local partners are assessing the situation on the ground and are planning a long-term response aimed at helping families cope through this disaster and rebuild their livelihoods. YOU CAN HELPLWR needs to raise an additional $250,000 to respond to this disaster. The most efficient and effective way to assist those in need is with a cash donation. LWR accepts gifts by phone at 800.597.5972, online at lwr.org/donate or by sending a check or money order to:
Your gifts will be used to respond to the Philippines Floods until needs there are met. Gifts received after that time will be used where needs are greatest. Thank you for your compassion. Please give generously. LWR also needs Quilts and Kits to respond to this emergency and others around the world. Please consider making Quilts and Kits to help stock our warehouse in Mindanao and enable us to respond to other needs in the future. |
