Habitat for Humanity seeks funding for shelter repair kits to be distributed to Filipinos affected by Typhoon Bopha
Shelter repair kits distributed in Monkayo, Compseta Valley.
Bangkok, 13th December 2012 – Habitat for Humanity has launched an appeal to assist thousands of families affected by Typhoon Bopha (called Pablo in the Philippines), which destroyed or damaged more than 148,000 homes.
The typhoon struck on Tuesday 4 December, killing more than 900 people and affecting 5.4 million, according to latest government statistics. Around 80,000 people are still in evacuation centers across the Visayas and Mindanao islands of southern Philippines*.
Habitat for Humanity Philippines has already distributed emergency shelter repair kits to families in Monkayo, Compostela Valley, on the island of Mindanao – one of the worst affected areas. It aims to support more than 15,000 families with shelter repair kits over the coming weeks. Shelter repair kits contain lumber, fiber cement boards, galvanized iron sheeting, nails, hammer, handsaw, nails and roof sealant.
“Tens of thousands of people in the Philippines are in need of shelter. The need is great and we are appealing for funds so that we can help more affected families. As in previous disasters, we are committed to supporting affected families rebuild their lives and gain access to decent shelter,” said Rick Hathaway, Asia-Pacific vice president for Habitat for Humanity.
To donate, please visit habitat.org/asiapacificBopha comes almost a year after tropical storm Washi, known locally as Sendong, killed more than 1,500 people in Mindanao. Habitat for Humanity Philippines launched a massive disaster response operation then, building thousands of homes for affected families in Cagayan de Oro.
* All statistics from the Republic of the Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (13 December 2012) - ndrrmc.gov.ph