North Philippines is currently bombarded with heavy rains and catastrophic floods as Super Typhoon Egay (international name Doksuri) swamped five regions namely, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), Bicol, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao, impacting a population of over 35 million people.
Local officials placed the Ilocos region under a state of calamity after Typhoon Egay wreaked havoc on more than 4000 families in the affected regions. Local government units initiated evacuation sites to adhere to the growing needs of relocated families.
Massive floods prompted the shutdown of major modes of transportation and airports in various sites around the North Philippines. The Quirino Bridge, popularly known as the Banaoan Bridge, which connects two towns in Ilocos, was also devastated. According to the most recent situational assessment from the National Disaster Risk Reduction Council (NDRRMC), Super Typhoon Egay caused 21 rain-induced landslides and floods in Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao. To avoid electrocutions in places flooded with water, energy utility providers in affected areas turned off power supplies. Roadblocks, landslides, and communication problems have also hampered rescue efforts in flood-ravaged districts. Egay's extensive damage to national highways and communications has hampered relief efforts, which may need air transport to reach impacted villages.
The recent flooding in the North Philippines has affected Adventist households. The severity of the floods was highlighted by a group of teenage missionaries from the Adventist College in North Luzon who became stuck on the second story of an Adventist Church in Vigan with no food or water. The river current was too powerful for a rescue boat to reach them, according to church members. There was a rescuer with them, but there was nothing the rescuer could do. They said that the nearby school had already been inundated. Floodwaters have suddenly increased, making evacuation more difficult. The church was said to be next to a bridge. Despite the difficult circumstances, the crew was able to swim out of the flood as the water began to recede. Everyone was able to flee to safety and is safe.
The Southern Asia-Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is seeking prayers for everyone in the North Philippines while several regions are under a state of calamity. ADRA Philippines emergency response teams conducted quick evaluations to assist flood-affected households. Due to challenges with transportation, ADRA is partnering with local government units to send out relief efforts to most affected areas.
ADRA Philippines works closely with the local government units to determine the best methods to help in the situation and meet the requirements of the impacted families.
ADRA is the Seventh-day Adventist Church's global humanitarian arm. ADRA provides humanitarian and development aid to people in over 130 countries. Through a network of global offices, it aspires to deliver long-term development projects as well as quick emergency support to communities.
You may contact the Adventist Development and Relief Agency in the Philippines by emailing info@adra.ph or visiting their website at adra.ph
