Typhoon floods the Philippines


		Check or money orders sent to: ELCA Int'l Disaster Response Attn: Philippine Floods PO Box 71764 Chicago, IL 60694-1764 write "Philippine Floods" on your check's memo line. credit card by phone: 800.638.3522 or online. Credit card contributions may also be made via mail.

The Situation:

UPDATE: Typhoon Parma pounded northern Philippines on Oct. 2, killing at least 15 people and leaving a trail of destruction. Many residents had been evacuated even as the storm toppled power lines, tore off roofs and ripped up trees as it swept across the islands' far north-east. 10/6/2009

Just prior to this, typhoon "Ketsana," locally known as "Ondoy," lashed the Philippines on Sept. 26, causing continuous heavy rain for almost eight hours. At the height of the heavy downpour, flashfloods and landslides occurred. Waters rose so fast that people living in low lying areas were caught unaware. They were forced to stay on the roofs of their houses to avoid being swept away by the flood. Collapsed river walls weakened by floodwaters caused more damage coupled with raging waters. Homes were washed away and the families lost all their possessions. Almost all residents have also lost their means of livelihood as factory workers, tricycle drivers and small vendors. The death toll has reached more than 240 and 375,000 are homeless, according to local authorities. This toll continues to increase as information from remote areas is received.

After devastating the Philippines, the typhoon continued on to Vietnam, hitting the coast near the city of Da Nang. Heavy winds and rain impacted the region, causing significant water damage and landslides. By Oct. 1, the typhoon killed 400 people across Southeast Asia.

Local churches in the affected communities have immediately been opening their premises as evacuation and relief centers. Members of ACT International are mobilizing emergency responses to distribute urgent assistance including food, water, clothes, candles, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, pots and pans.

ELCA Response:

ELCA International Disaster Response has been actively communicating with Christian Aid, a historical companion in relief work for the Philippines, and other partners on the ground to understand the scope of damage and need. An immediate grant of $30,000 has been sent to Christian Aid who is working with local partners to provide non-food aid to families in Manila, Quezon City, Makati, Pasig, and Taguig. Local partners have been equipped with disaster preparedness training and will be facilitating evacuation procedures in preparation for the forecasted coming of a second storm. ELCA International Disaster Response anticipates that the need is much greater than this initial gift and will continue to work with Christian Aid, as well as the National Council of Churches Philippines and Lutheran World Relief, to share the gifts of the ELCA where they are most needed.

ACT International has prepared an appeal for international support to members’ responses. The requested relief assistance includes food, drinking water, non-food relief items, basic medicines and personal hygiene needs. ELCA International Disaster response is communicating with companion churches in the Philippines, including the Lutheran Church in the Philippines, to gauge the full spectrum of need before a further response is planned.

What you can do:

Pray:

Please remember the people of the Philippines in your prayers. Prayer petitions are provided by the staff of the ELCA worship team. Include these prayers in your personal time of devotion and in your Congregation Prayers.

Study and Share:

In addition to what you find in the media, look at the following.
    ACT International
     Church World Service
     Oxfam International
     BBC
     Times Online
     Associated Press
Return here periodically for updates.

Give:

Gifts to ELCA Disaster Response help us to provide immediate and effective support to communities which are hurting and in need. Please consider giving to support the needs of this response and others like it. Information on giving is provided in the box on the right “How You Can Help.” Your gift will be used in full to bring life sustaining support to this crisis. Thank you for your prayerful consideration. Funding is vitally needed at this time.

Return to Disaster Response Home Page