CWS Initial Appeal: Typhoon Hagupit


December 8, 2014

APPEAL CODE: 700-R

INITIAL APPEAL GOAL:  $250,000

SITUATION:

At least 27 people have been killed in the Philippines as Typhoon Hagupit continued its path across that country. Hagupit, now weakened to a tropical storm, was closing in today on the capital of Manila following its deadly grip on the eastern island of Samar, Reuters reported.

Most of those who perished died in Borongan, Eastern Samar, and died of drowning in floodwaters. Some 2,500 houses were either partially or totally destroyed in Borongan. The storm, which hit many of the same areas as last year’s typhoon Haiyan, did not cause the same extent of damage as last year’s destruction.

Still, damage was considerable and necessitated the evacuation of between 500,000 and 1 million people, according to humanitarian agencies responding to the storm. CWS partners in the Philippines were among those assisting with the evacuations.

Communication remains a challenge and the full extent of damage in northeastern areas of Northern Samar province and southern Masbate province is unclear, said the United Nations. Of particular concern is damage to the region’s rice and corn crops, as well as banana and coconut trees.

RESPONSE:

CWS, through our U.S. and Japan offices, plans to respond by supporting efforts of our ACT Alliance partners, specifically Lutheran World Relief and Christian Aid. ACT members are already conducting monitoring and rapid assessments in areas where that is possible.

The response is likely to focus on:

  • Cash-for-work focusing on debris removal in conjunction with local partners and government units;
  • Distribution of shelter repair kits;
  • Non-food items for affected households through cash grants accessed from remittance centers;
  • Provision of trainings on quality and accountability standards through partnership/support provided by CWS;
  • Water provision.

BUDGET:

Full initial response budget to be finalized in coming days.

HOW TO HELP:

Contributions may made at cwsglobal.org/hagupit or sent to: Church World Service, Attn.: Philippines ., Appeal 700-R, P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515.

CWS is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and advocacy.