World Vision, ABS-CBN Foundation seek relief for super typhoon victims

By: 11 years ago

The street leading to the municipal hall of Daanbantayan in the nothern Cebu after the super typhoon Yolanda. CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO

SAN FRANCISCO—World Vision is joining the Philippine government in rapid assessment and response teams while ABS-CBN Foundation International is collecting donations in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda in the Philippines), one of the strongest typhoons ever recorded, which swept through the central Visayas island group.

“Families are displaced and living in cramped conditions tonight (Friday),” says Aaron Aspi, a World Vision emergency communications specialist.

Images of houses damaged, large trees uprooted, and swelling waves caused by storm surges towering as high as 16 feet have occupied international and local headlines.

An estimated 25 million people are affected in Visayas and Luzon alone. Many have been displaced, especially in Bohol, where about 5,000 families remain temporarily sheltered in makeshift tents following the recent quake.

Food, clean water, and emergency shelter are the greatest needs at more than 100 evacuation centers.

“Here in Bohol, the area hardest hit during the quake last month, people are still afraid to go inside buildings. Despite urging by the government to go into evacuation centers, they are staying outside in makeshift structures and tents,” Aspi said.

“They are exposed to extreme weather, which can lead to coughing, colds, and respiratory infections.”

World Vision is mustering resources to assist 1.2 million people (240,000 families) with food, non-food items, hygiene kits, emergency shelter and protection, especially for children and women.

Donation online: Filipino.worldvision.org 1.866.387.5683

Meanwhile, ABS- CBN Foundation International announced that it is currently accepting donations to assist in rescue operations and providing aid to families that are now in evacuation centers where they are temporarily sheltered. Contributions can be made to “ABS CBN Foundation International (Typhoon Yolanda)” online at www.abscbnfoundation.org or via checks to 150 Shoreline Drive, Redwood City, CA 94065 or by calling (800)527-2820.

“After the distribution of relief goods, we will continue to appeal for help so we can rebuild houses, schools and more importantly lives of those who were displaced by the typhoon,” says Jo Ann Kyle, managing director for ABS CBN Foundation International. “Our volunteer teams are already on the ground, making sure that we leave no one behind.”