Aid to Refugees of Storms, Floods, and Violence

In January 2020, 700,000 thousand people in the Philippines were displaced by Taal Volcano, in addition to many others affected by typhoons, fires, floods, and COVID19. Asia America Initiative and our partners provided emergency food, water, tarp shelters, blankets, hygiene, face masks, and basic health care items for 2,000 displaced families and around 100 first response workers and volunteers. Your donation was critical in bringing hope to those affected.

In the past few weeks, the Taal Volcano has become active again. Hundreds of earthquakes and tremors are occurring as steam and noxious gasses are being emitted. Local populations are planning for possible evacuation. Currently, there is increased earthquake activity in the general region that can generate flooding tides or tsunamis. The 2021 Typhoon season is just beginning in the Philippines and the region has already experienced 2 tropical storms and 1 Category 5 super typhoon!

AAI is continuing to send support  for 2,000 families or 10,000 adults and children.

Now is the time to prepare for inevitable crises in the Philippines. Transportation takes at least two mo nths to ship supplies by ocean freight from the United States. We are pre-positioning relief aid in Manila before the need is critical in nearby provinces and the regions of Visayas and Mindanao. We will be ready to distribute supplies to numerous internally displaced persons camps, schools, and health centers. 

With Covid19 protocols in mind, we will continue to provide face masks, plastic face sbields  and sterile gloves to more than 300 firefighters and professional health workers. AAI has been very careful to maintain sanitary practices regarding donations and we provide masks, gloves, and plenty of antibacterial gel to our staff, volunteers, and partner frst responders assisting with the distribution of relief aid.

AAI’s mission is to help build, educate, and empower local communities through a bottom-up approach. We facilitate community engagement regardless of religion. Our presence is in some of the poorest and most dangerous places for outsiders. Open communications with local communities ensure they are not forgotten and they are not alone. By going beyond humanitarian intervention, our network of support promotes peace and development. Our success is achieved through trust based on consistent cooperation. 

If you would like to add to your support, we are gathering donations to send emergency supplies and food to affected communities in June and July. Your donations make it all possible. Thank you.

Aid to Refugees of Taal Volcano, Floods, COVID-19

Gratefully, Wishing you peace,

Albert Santoli

Director, Asia America Initiative

Links:

• Asia America Initiative Website

On January 21, scores of wood-frame homes built on the shoreline of southern Mindanao were knocked down after a storm surge caused by a large earthquake in the nearby sea. Hundreds of families were displaced to local shelters after the calamity. Asia America Initiative is working with local leaders and community organizations, police, and firefighters to deliver urgently needed goods and services to these newly displaced families who cannot return to their homes. 

These traditional wooden homes are built and used by fishermen in their livelihood trade on what is called the foreshore area of the shoreline. (In the surf!) This is like shopkeeper living above the store with their families. These structures are built on the leeward side of the island in a usuallysafe port area. Only during unusual circumstances, such as this nearby radiating earthquake or relentless storms of  high magnitude, would these homes be at risk. The families affected have now lost their main source of income as well. 

AAI and local partners, such as the local fire department and school geachers joined our exended team.  Volunteers gave 200 families a 5-gallon water jug and 1 week's worth of food and hygiene supplies for 1,000 people.

Beginning in January 2020, thousands of families in the Philippines have been displaced by Taal Volcano, typhoons, fires, floods, and are under risk of new straizns of Covid19. Overall, Asia America Initiative and our partners are providing emergency food, water, tarp shelters, blankets, hygiene, face masks, and basic health care items for 2,000 displaced families and first response workers. We have provided 4 tons of relief supplies.

Your previous donation has assisted us in affected communities and inspires hope for the homeless. Thank you!

If you would like to continue your support, please click the link to our project page. 

Aid to Refugees of Taal Volcano, Floods, COVID-19

Thank you, 

Wishing you peace, 

Albert Santoli

Links:

• Asia America Initiative Website