Salvation Army Spokesperson, Major Bruce Harmer said. “The Olympic Games caught the attention of the world as athletes challenged each other for the glory of gold. By contrast, in an almost overlooked natural disaster, flooding in the Philippines has seen over 2.5 million people displaced and now homeless. Many have drowned and still millions are facing hunger and sickness at the same time as having to deal with tremendous personal loss and grief”.
The Salvation Army are calling for Australians to look to our North and see the tragedy unfolding and help us to continue to provide the urgent support that is so desperately needed by the people of the Philippines.
Around 80% of the country has been affected by the floods with hundreds of thousands of people seeking emergency accommodation in evacuation centres.
More than 2.4 million people in 144 municipalities have been affected by the weather so far and more than 3,100 homes have been damaged. While the death toll from days of heavy rains and floods in the Philippines has continued to rise forecasters are expecting even more heavy rain across the main island of Luzon.
Major Harmer said “The local Salvation Army are doing a terrific job of meeting whatever need they can. Many of our people are taking the supplies they can carry on their back and walking for kilometres into remote areas to provide help to many who have, as yet, not received any help at all.
“To have such a dramatic, negative humanitarian event occurring just to our North and there be little awareness of it is alarming and concerning.
“The Salvation Army are calling on the Australian public to contribute to our National Philippine Disaster Appeal and help us provide food, bedding, clothing and hope to the millions who today, will continue to deal with the harsh reality of being homeless, hungry and powerless”, said Major Harmer.
For more information, visit salvos.org.au/odr (overseas disaster relief).
