Thousands still displaced after flash flood in Philippines

Health kit bags being distributed by
 FH church partners.

Philippines (MNN) ―Communities on the Island of Mindanao, Philippines continue to pick up the pieces following a devastating flash flood December 16 that killed more than 1,000 people.

Of those hit by the catastrophe three weeks ago, many are still affected, says Director of Emergency Response forFood for the Hungry Peter Howard says, "About three quarters of a million people have been affected by this disaster. And at least 40,000 to 50,000 people are living in evacuation centers."

While Food for the Hungry can't help all of them, they're doing their part through two local churches. "Since the storm hit 2 1/2 weeks ago, those churches--with the help of Food for the Hungry and other partnerships--have been responding and reaching out and meeting needs in their community."

FH is working with a Light of the World Church and another Wesleyan church in the region. Howard says through these churches, they're helping with food, clothing, medical supplies, and hygiene kits.

However, FH is going to start doing more for the children, says Howard. "After a disaster like this, children get separated from their families and parents. Also, their lives get interrupted."

That's why FH through other partnerships are starting Child Friendly Spaces. This is a place created that helps children cope. Howard said,"They can go to school, and even if it's not in a school, maybe a tented area -- an area where they can be safe and away from the effects of disaster. They can learn, play and be children. And, that protects them from the dangers going on around them."

Howard says this outreach helps physically, and also spiritually. "Food for the Hungry comes alongside these churches to reach out not only to their own parishioners, but into their community. And it really is an amazing opportunity for Christians to show the love of Christ to people who are suffering."

It's uncertain low long FH will be in this area. "This is their community, and our job is to build the capacity to reach out in the name of Jesus to their community. So we'll stay as long as we're asked. But when they're on their feet and ready to go, that might be time for us to move somewhere else where there's a need," adds Howard.

Howard says $100 can actually start a child friendly space. If you'd like to help, click here.

Typhoon response mounted in Philippines

(Photo by Earth Observatory, NASA.gov)

Philippines (BGR/MNN) ―More than 1,000 people are dead, and that number is likely to rise in the wake of a typhoon that slammed the southern Philippines on December 17.

The government warns that tens of thousands of flood victims could be stuck in tent cities for up to half a year waiting for the government construct temporary housing to free up schools that are now serving as refugee camps.

The United Nation is calling for about $US28 million in funding to help those affected by Typhoon Washi. Southern Baptists are also mounting a relief effort through Baptist Global Response and local partners in the Philippines.

"Typhoon Washi brought heavy rains, strong winds, and a large number of flash floods to the area," said Pat Melancon, BGR's managing director of disaster response and training. "The government has reported around 10,000 homes damaged or destroyed, and estimates are that 335,000 people have been affected."

In the evacuation centers aid workers were providing food, clothes, blankets, bottled water and hygiene kits. A lack of running water was still a major concern. Many shelters have poor sanitation which brings a high risk of waterborne disease.

BGR released funds to meet the immediate needs for food, shelter, and water and sanitation needs. The initial rapid response also will include assessment of longer-term response needs in the area.

"Storms regularly occur in the Philippines," Melancon noted. "However, Typhoon Washi struck the southern part of the country, where these types of tropical storms are not as frequent and people are not as prepared to deal with them. BGR has worked in the past with flooding situations in the Philippines and continues to partner in providing assistance in this event as well."

BGR was created to help believers become more effective and efficient in responding to global crises and their partnership allows Christians on the ground to be the hands and feet of Christ. Catastrophe often opens doors for deeper spiritual questions, so pray for both Gospel opportunity and wisdom for the team.