Situation Report
Philippines
Typhoon Washi (also referred to as Typhoon Sendong) struck the southern Philippines over December 15-18, 2011, causing landslides and massive flooding on the island of Mindanao. The most severe destruction occurred in the port cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro; many smaller coastal villages along the northern parts of the island also sustained damage.
Washi caught thousands of people unaware as they slept, as the course of the storm followed a more southerly trajectory than most tropical storms and typhoons in the Philippines.
More than 63,000 families, or 338,000 people, have lost their homes and belongings due to the storm and subsequent flooding. More than 280,000 residents have taken shelter in evacuation centers in the disaster area, and more than 1,500 people are injured. The death toll now nears 1,000 with hundreds still missing.
PDA response
PDA will be responding with One Great Hour of Sharing and designated funds in cooperation with our ecumenical partner ACT Alliance, and our mission partner the National Council of Churches of the Philippines (NCCP). Some NCCP churches are being used for as emergency shelter sites. The National Council of Churches of the Philippines is also a member of ACT Alliance. ACT members are already carrying out damage and needs assessments and helping to meet the most urgent needs.
PDA funds will help to meet the immediate need for food, medicine, potable water, clothing, sleeping paraphernalia and temporary shelter. Psychosocial assistance is also badly needed for traumatized individuals, especially women and children.
Assistance for rebuilding and rehabilitation will also be needed and will later be identified when the situation has normalized and ACT members are planning to engage on a longer term rehabilitation of livelihood, possibly through an ACT appeal.
How you can help
You can stand in the “GAP” for disaster survivors and help the church in this response.
GIVE. The generous sharing of your financial blessings through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and special designated giving provides resources needed to assist with immediate emergency needs, clean up provisions, long-term and unmet needs, and spiritual/emotional counseling.
Individuals may give online, or through their local Presbyterian congregation, on the secure PC(USA) Web site or by sending their check to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
To support international response, please include the special designated giving account DR000012 – Philippines.
Congregations should send donations through their normal mission giving channels.
ACT. Stay informed and share information about the need with others. Sign up to receive PDA Rapid Information Network (PDA-RIN) email notices to alert you of additional needs.
PRAY. Our best response is prayer. 1 Thessalonians implores us to pray without ceasing, so your prayers are requested above all else. Please pray for families affected by this unusual disaster.
← Read the previous situation report on typhoons in the Philippines