Adventists respond as Super Typhoon Koppu batters the Philippines

Adventists respond as Super Typhoon Koppu batters the Philippines

As Typhoon Koppu continues to drench the northern Philippines, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency of the Philippines (ADRA-Philippines) has deployed its emergency response team to the Aurora region for initial assessment and response.

According to the national weather service, Typhoon Koppu made landfall early Sunday morning with category 5 or super typhoon strength winds estimated at 185 kph while the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, the U.S. military’s weather service, recorded winds as strong as 240 kph. At least two people have died but the exact number of deaths and injuries is yet unknown.

While the strong winds and rain have damaged hundreds of homes and displaced over 16,000 people, the greater problem is the slowing of the typhoon’s progression over the island. This will dump greater amounts of rain over the area for a longer time and is already causing flooding with mudslides and landslides expected.

Overflooded rice paddies soak the landscape of Guimba, Nueva Ecija. This is the scene the ADRA Philippines volunteers saw on their way to the areas affected by typhoon Koppu which made landfall over the areas of north Philippines on October 18. [photo grabbed from the ADRA Philipines Facebook page]
Overflooded rice paddies soak the landscape of Guimba, Nueva Ecija. This is the scene the ADRA Philippines volunteers saw on their way to the areas affected by typhoon Koppu which made landfall over the areas of north Philippines on October 18. [photo grabbed from the ADRA Philipines Facebook page]

Early reports from the national disaster response agency estimated that at least 25 roads and 10 bridges are impassable due to flooding or landslides thus creating challenges for disaster relief teams like ADRA Philippines to reach those affected.

On average, the Philippines experiences “20 typhoons every year, five of which are destructive,” according to the Asian Disaster Reduction Center.

For over 30 years ADRA-Philippines has responded to the immediate needs and long-term rebuilding challenges of disaster survivors while also offering development projects for communities in need.

[Teresa Costello]

Evangelism Series in Cebu Culminates in 'Harvest Celebration'

How Ministry on Wheels Became a Lifeline for the Mission Field?

Adventists Support Displaced Families in Cambodia-Thailand Border Dispute

Newly Elected Leaders Poised to Guide SSD Mission for 2025–2030

Nominating Committee Chair Speaks with the Press

Evening Stories of Hope Inspire GC Session Attendees

Bradshaw Reminds World Church Leaders that Jesus Is Coming Soon

Pastor Petronio Genebago Elected as Associate Youth Director for the General Conference

General Conference Elects Associate Directors and GCAS Team to Support Global Church Ministries

Around the World in 17 Booths

Bradshaw Encourages Global Church Leaders to Avoid Sensationalism

Bradshaw Encourages Global Church Leaders to Avoid Sensationalism

Global Division Secretaries and Treasurers Elected to Support World Church

Adventist Church Elects Departmental Leaders for 2025–2030 Term

New Administrative Leaders Elected to Serve Southern Asia-Pacific Division

Could Asia Host a Future GC Session?

General Conference Secretariat Team Elected for 2025–2030

Division Presidents Elected to Lead World Church Regions for 2025–2030

Pastor Roger Caderma Re-elected as Southern Asia-Pacific Division President

Seven General Vice Presidents Elected during GC Session Business Meeting

Paul H. Douglas Elected as Treasurer of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church

Richard E. McEdward Elected as Secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist World Church

Former SSD President Elected as General Conference Vice President

A President for Such a Time as This: Erton Köhler Ushers a New Era of Unity and Mission

Newly Elected General Conference President Erton Köhler Speaks to Press