Tropical storm “Washi” in the Philippines
Malteser International expands emergency relief
Cologne/Mindanao.
A total of 100 temporary homes including latrines as well as community faucets for safe drinking water will be constructed in Iligan, a medium-sized city located on the Philippine island Mindanao. This is the next step the Philippine association of the Order of Malta, which is conducting relief activities in the region on behalf of Malteser International, takes to support the people severely affected by the tropical storm “Washi” in mid-December. Heavy rainfall and flash floods caused by the storm destroyed whole parts of the island and rendered hundreds of thousands homeless.
“Especially the children, being highly vulnerable, need immediate care and protection. They are in risk of sexual abuse and trafficking because of the congested situation in the evacuation centres and the breakdown of social structures,” explains Dr. Melgabal Capistrano, Malteser International consultant for disaster risk reduction, currently supporting the team on Mindanao. With this special focus on the safety of unaccompanied and separated children, psycho-social support and preventive measures are part of the relief measures. In response to an appeal of the local authorities, the Philippine association also supports the management and coordination of the evacuation centres.
Directly after “Washi” hit the island, Malteser International, the relief service of the Order of Malta for worldwide humanitarian aid, supported the Philippine association with an initial 10,000 euros. The relief measures can now be expanded, thanks to Caritas International providing an additional 50,000 euros. Immediately after the tropical storm, the Philippine association sent about two tons of food, medicines and supplies to the disaster area around Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.
Attention Editors:
Julia Brunner, senior desk officer of the Asia department of Malteser International, is available for interviews.
Contact through Malteser International’s headquarters at +49 (0) 221 98 22-155.
Malteser International is the worldwide relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta for humanitarian aid. The organisation provides aid in about 100 projects in more than 20 countries without distinction of religion, race or political persuasion. Christian values and the humanitarian principles of impartiality and independence are the foundation of its work. For further information: www.malteser-international.org and www.orderofmalta.org
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