Flash floods triggered by Typhoon Washi, coinciding with high tides, have caused widespread devastation across the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, killing hundreds and sweeping many villages away.
The major ports of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan were among the areas worst hit on the 16th December. The Philippine National Red Cross puts the current death toll at nearly a thousand and many more are reported missing.
Rotarians can help by supporting ShelterBox, Water Survival Box and LifeStraw, all Rotary supported emergency response charities.
ShelterBox is working with the Philippine Air Force to distribute emergency shelter. ShertBox Response Teams are on site and helping those affected. SRT Volunteer Abner said: "The feeling is overwhelming as I prepare for deployment. The region is unaccustomed to the typhoons that are common to other areas of the archipelago. Thousands are left homeless and hundreds are still missing."
Water Survival Box reports that they are working with De La Salle College in Manila to get their emergency boxes to Minandao before Christmas. 200 boxes have been sent out and will be distributed from the college.
Lifestraw is ready to respond with the life-saving devices, which filter water to make it drinkable, but need funding for transport the life-saving straws. LifeStraw Personal is a portable water purifier for prevention of common diarrhoeal disease. It can be carried around for easy access to safe and clean drinking water and can filter up to 1,000 litres of water.
To support any of these charities, please contact them directly.
