Thousands Displaced
In December 2017, Tropical Storms brought devastation to the Philippines triggering devastating mudslides and flooding.
When Storm Kai-tak, known as Urduja in the Philippines, made landfall in early December, it released two months of rainfall within 48 hours.
Thousands of families were forced to flee after the storm destroyed over 30,000 homes.
Not out of danger
But after the storm subsided, families were still not out of danger. Just a few days later, a second storm developed in the West Pacific Ocean.
Tembin, also known as Vinta in the Philippines, left a second trail of destruction, killing more than 240 people, displacing over 70,000 and damaging houses and livelihoods.
A ShelterBox response team was soon on the ground carrying out needs assessments and initial distributions. We have been distributing a variety of aid items such as ShelterBoxes, ShelterKits, water carriers and solar lights to support those families that need our help the most.
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On the Ground
Within just a few weeks of the storms hitting, our response teams were on the ground with Rotary International, assessing needs to find out whether families could safely stay where they were and what they would need in order to continue being there.
We have been distributing a variety of aid items such as ShelterBoxes, ShelterKits, water carriers, solar lights and other essential items based on each family’s need.
Watch Response Team Member, Pat Prendergast, explain more:
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Aid in Action
There are two main vehicles that drive our action: support from our donors and assistance from our local partners.
With the help from you, Rotary Club of Biliran Island and other Rotarians in the Philippines, we’ve distributed shelter materials to over 900 families alongside solar lights, water carriers, mosquito nets and blankets.
Watch an update from Response Team Member, Dave Ray, and see the aid that you help provide in action:
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OPERATIONS BASE: PHILIPPINES
When responding to Tropical Storm Urduja on Biliran Island in December 2017, ShelterBox worked very closely with the Rotary Club of Biliran Island.
A team including ShelterBox Canada’s Executive Director, Stephanie Christensen, recently went to Biliran Island to work with the Rotary Club on their Rotary Village Project.
The Rotary Village project will provide 58 families with semi-permanent homes as a next step after the ShelterBox tents.
These families will reside in the semi-permanent homes until their government housing is completed in a few years time.
Watch an update from Stephanie Christensen:
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