LWR is monitoring Super Typhoon Hagupit as it heads toward the Philippines this weekend. Current reports indicate that it’s heading toward a similar path as Typhoon Haiyan did 13 months ago. This means it may head across LWR’s project areas in Northern Cebu and Leyte.
We don’t yet know what the damage or impact of this storm will be; it’s projected to make landfall this weekend. We are monitoring the situation and will be in contact with more information as we know it.
LWR commits initial investment
At this point LWR has committed $50,000 to 4 program areas:
- A cash-for-work program that will inject needed investments into local communities.
- Preparing and positioning shelter repair kit materials for affected families, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Philippines.
- Identifying centers to transfer cash to affected people for non-food items (NFIs).
- Exploring additional quality and accountability trainings for local and international aid organizations, in partnership with Church World Service (CWS).
In addition, two of our local partners, Tambuyog and KAMPHIL, are involved in community evacuations and government preparation activities in Northern Cebu and Leyte.
Notes from the Ground
Joanne Fairley, LWR’s regional director for Asia & the Middle East, and Femia Baldeo, LWR’s country director in the Philippines sent the following notes:
- This storm seems to be headed toward our current project areas. Because we have been actively working in these communities, there is a high level of awareness about the coming storm and potential damage, but there is also a lot fear. They know that damage could be done, they know the impact this could have, and they know what it’s like to have to leave their homes and wait in evacuation centers.
- Because Typhoon Haiyan hit just one year ago, communities haven’t completely recovered yet. Houses are not completely finished and they are certainly not yet typhoon-proof. As described in the 1-year report, our livelihoods projects have just started and are going to take some time. This storm could have major impact on those projects where we’re working with communities to restore their primary livelihoods (fishing and coconut farming) as well as help them build up secondary livelihood options to diversify their incomes.
- But, there is a silver lining in all of this. Because of the work LWR and other NGOs put into building relationships with local governments, there is an amazing sense of preparation and calm around this emergency. So much prep work has gone into helping communities prepare for such emergencies that, compared to the frenzy before Typhoon Haiyan, most people are feeling better prepared for Typhoon Hagupit.
How You Can Help
You can help by giving a cash donation to LWR’s Typhoon Hagupit Fund. When you donate to LWR, you can rest assured your dollars are used wisely. Read more about the impact of your donation.
Please PRAY for the people of the Philippines, our staff, and our partners.
God of mercy,
When Elijah experienced a great and strong wind on Mount Horeb, you were not in the wind. When Elijah felt the tremors of an earthquake and the heat of a fire, you were not in those, either.
As the wind and rains whip through the Philippine islands, let your gentle whisper, your sound of sheer silence, come to the aid of your people.
Give shelter to those who need it. Give comfort to the distressed.
And give us eyes to see our Filipino neighbors, that we may respond with wisdom and mercy to their deepest needs.
You are our rock and our salvation, the one who gives us life. We ask all of this in the name of our savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.