Aid to Refugees of Storms, Floods, and Violence

Dear Friends,

In September 2022, Typhoon Talas damaged areas north of Manila. It was followed by massive winds on October 1, as Super Typhoon Karding cut a destructive swath through the same areas and others moving west. The intensity of the storm was unexpected and devastating. Both storms left behind communities in ruin, with thousands of families homeless and destroyed rice fields setting the stage for food shortages in coming months. 

Asia America Initiative, One World Institute, and hundreds of local volunteers -- including many off-duty police officers -- rode into the pummeled storm areas on donated or rented trucks filled with food, water, hygiene materials, and bedding supplies. Because the two storms were closely sequenced. AAI and our partners were already coordinating relief materials into areas previously damaged from earlier storms in Luzon and Visayas regions. We were able to immediately increase support and carry relief supplies to areas where few other organizations had a presence. The support of GlobalGiving donors to this project was critical to our rapid and effective response.

Every year, thousands of families in the Philippines are displaced by volcanoes, typhoons, fires, and floods. Asia America Initiative and our partners are providing emergency food, water, tarp shelters, blankets, hygiene, face masks, and basic health care items for displaced families and first responders.

Dr. Yolanda, who worked around the clock organizing the various teams to meet the needs of hard-hit areas, says: "We made an immediate impact and did save lives.  However, in mid-October fresh food, clean water, and shelter materials are still in short supply. Many roads and buildings are flood damaged. Families and especially the elderly must sleep on the cold wet ground where they develop many physical and internal illnesses."

Asia America Initiative is working with local leaders, community organizations, police, and firefighters to deliver urgently needed goods and services to at least 1,000 families who cannot return to their homes.  Monsoon season has not reached its mid-point yet. However, many more typhoons and cyclones are expected in many areas of the Philippines, and other parts of Asia.

Links:

• Asia America Initiative website