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Christian Aid has launched an appeal to help those affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, thought to be the strongest storm in recorded history. It is particularly concerned that some of the poorest communities in the islands seem to have been worst hit.
The typhoon struck the Philippines from the east early today with winds of up to 200 mph, and some 12 million people in its immediate path.
Although the capital Manila was spared the worst of the storm, Haiyan devastated central islands including Leyte and Samar, with Tacloban, the capital of Leyte particularly hard hit with flooding reaching the first floor of some buildings. Now in central Philippines, it is expected to move offshore tomorrow morning.
Alwynn Javier, Christian Aid Senior Programme Officer in Manila, said based on initial reports the damage is likely to be colossal. ‘This is on a scale never been seen before. It has covered a vast area, including islands where the infrastructure was already limited. Air and sea ports are closed, and power lines are down, cutting off entire provinces and leaving many communities stranded.
‘We lost communication with affected areas early this morning, so will not have a clear picture of the full extent of the devastation for some time. Early reports, however, are that damage to buildings and infrastructure is extremely severe.
‘We are dealing with so many islands, and with all lifelines cut it’s going to be very difficult to assess, but we expect the final picture to be catastrophic. A huge evacuation effort took place and so far the death count is low. Even if that remains the case, helping communities recover will take years, as homes, farms and buildings have been destroyed, many people will have lost their ways of making a living.
‘Right now, however, immediate needs will include fresh water, food, shelter and clothing.'
Christian Aid partners took part in the major evacuation effort coordinated by the UN and government organisations, helping activate disaster early-warning systems and move some of the 150,000 people across 22 provinces who were evacuated in advance of the storm.
The typhoon, which is known as Yolanda in the Philippines, has hit some of the poorest areas in the country, including Bohol, where thousands of people are still living in tents after losing their homes in an earthquake three weeks ago. Now the area is at severe risk of landslides. Other areas particularly badly hit include Romblon and Samar islands, once again home to some of the country’s poorest people.
Please visit our appeal page to find out more www.christianaid.org.uk/emergencies/current/philippines-typhoon-appeal
