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Moritz Wohlrab of Aktion Deutschland Hilft (Germany’s Relief Coalition) reports from Northern Cebu in the Philippines: „Up to 90 per cent of houses in this area have been destroyed. Hundreds of children are lining the road on which we are traveling, holding up signs and begging, ‚We need food!‘ – ‘We need water!‘ – ‘Help us!‘“. Member organizations of the relief coalition are working to get the help that is needed on its way – water, food, blankets, tents, medical supplies.
Several German relief workers from member organizations of Aktion Deutschland Hilft (Germany’s Relief Coalition) who are already in the area are meeting on Thursday to exchange information on the situation and to determine possible cooperations. – Two water purification plants provided by arche noVa have just arrived in Manila. They will produce 500 l of water per hour and thus provide drinking water for 10,000 people per day. The transport to their final destination in the disaster zone is in process. Handicap International is constructing a distribution center and will shortly begin distributing non-food items and shelter kits containing materials for the construction of emergency accomodations.
„The sympathy and compassion of the German people go out to the people in the Philippines. As of this day, our coalition has received 3.5 million Euros in donations. Considering the great number of people affected by the typhoon – 11 million – , this is a cornerstone of the emergency relief provided by our member organizations. We accept donations by money transfer, telephone, and online on our website,“ explains Manuela Roßbach, Executive Director of Aktion Deutschland Hilft (Germany’s Relief Coalition).
Germany’s Relief Coalition (Aktion Deutschland Hilft) is a federation of German aid organizations acting in concert to provide quick and effective help in response to major disasters and emergencies abroad. In times of need, the initiators of this federation for action, each an autonomous organization in its own right, pool their knowledge and capacities, complementing one another and consolidating resources to provide the most effective help possible. During the acute phase of major disasters, Germany’s Relief Coalition makes a public appeal for donations. The existing administrative structures and capacities of the member organizations help keep costs down, making it possible to channel a maximum proportion of donated funds into direct aid. Germany’s Relief Coalition appeals to all people in Germany to unite in offering help in times of urgent need as a community of solidarity dedicated to alleviating human suffering. More Information: http://www.aktion-Deutschland-Hilft.de/en
