HOPEww Provides Relief After Typhoons Hit the Philippines

The Philippines endured four typhoons in just 12 days , starting with Super Typhoon Goni and following with Typhoon Atsani and Typhoon Etau, which thankfully had little effect on the country. The fourth and the most devastating was Typhoon Vamco (Ulysses). HOPEww and our partners in the Philippines responded quickly assessing the needs and providing immediate funding for supplies.

Typhoon Vamco (Ulysses) hit the main island of Luzon on November 11th-12th causing extensive damage and flooding throughout. Tens of thousands of homes were submerged, trapping residents on their rooftops while awaiting rescue. The Center of HOPE located in Laguna was not spared from the wrath of this typhoon and was damaged again. Over 2 million people in 34 provinces were affected, leading to further displacement and hardship that already existed. In the city of Biñan alone, where the head office of HOPE worldwide Philippines is located, 27 church members and staff from 15 families were affected, not counting brothers and sisters from Manila and other churches.

We are so grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers for our brothers and sisters who’ve been impacted by this disaster. So far, HOPEww and our partners in the Philippines have been hard at work and have been able to do the following: 

• Installed five water filters in two locations
• Distributed 42 relief food packs
• Conducted a quick assessment of the beneficiaries living near Laguna Lake
• Provided reports and updates of situations from the ground through mobile phones and social media to their staff, partners, donors and volunteers
• Checked and prepared their solar panels and LED lamps for possible installation around the Center to provide a power source and security

While we’ve been able to provide some initial support there are many ongoing needs in the community. HOPE worldwide ’s Global Disaster Response team met with church partners and HOPEww leaders in the Philippines to discuss support for the community. We will be working to provide more water filters, food packs, blankets, mattresses, medicine, hygiene essentials, mosquito nets and face masks. HOPE worldwide will continue working with our partners in the Philippines to further assess damage and additional support.

In this season of giving we continue to extend our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all who are supporting our disaster response efforts. Our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones and those who are severely affected by this disaster. While the people of the Philippines are facing this challenge with faith, they need your prayers and any support you are willing and able to give through these difficult times. 

To support HOPEww’s Global Disaster Response efforts, please Donate Now .

For information about the HOPE worldwide Global Disaster Response Team or questions, contact:

• Dave Tomlinson, Sr. Director, Global Disaster Response dave.tomlinson@hopeww.org
• Charles Ham, Global Disaster Advisor charles.ham@hopeww.org
• Paul Fruge ́ II, Sr. Director, Marketing & Communications paul.fruge@hopeww.org

Learn more about HOPEww’s Global Disaster Response at hopeww.org/global-disaster-response .