Emergency Aid Helps Thousands of Flood Survivors in Philippines

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"Since the Philippines is prone to typhoons and flooding, we keep supplies on hand in the country to speed the delivery of aid during emergencies." - Christoph Gorder, Senior VP of Global Programs, AmeriCares Despite the logistical challenges presented by severe flooding and waist-high mud on the flood-ravaged Mindanao Island in the Philippines, two emergency aid shipments containing AmeriCares donations have been delivered by helicopter to survivors living in evacuation centers. More than 1,000 people were swept to their deaths in the southern Philippines on December 18, when flash floods and mudslides triggered by Tropical Storm Washi tore through thousands of homes, forcing more than 50,000 to seek refuge in shelters. An estimated 150,000 people are affected by the disaster. Within 24 hours of the disaster, AmeriCares partners began airlifting and distributing pre-positioned emergency medicines and supplies to help injured and displaced survivors. A second shipment was flown into Mindanao on December 20. These shipments included pain relievers, cough and cold medications, and nutritional supplements. Each year, AmeriCares delivers aid well ahead of seasonal flooding, enabling local partners to respond rapidly when disaster strikes. New Aid Underway New emergency aid to help flood survivors is now underway, including: Emergency air shipment of 2,000 pounds of medical aid was sent on December 22 containing antibiotics to treat waterborne diseases, nutritional supplements and hygiene products as well as chronic care medications to ensure continuity of care for patients with cardiovascular health problems and diabetes. ${esc.dollar}10,000 flash grant to procure medicines that fill crucial resource gaps, including medicines to treat leptospirosis, an infectious disease that poses a serious threat to flood survivors, enough clean drinking water for 15,000 people, and relief items for evacuees. Since 1985, AmeriCares has delivered more than ${esc.dollar}165 million in medicines, medical supplies and humanitarian aid to the Philippines to support more than 70 institutions, medical and disaster relief teams helping people in need.