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Donations to Christian Aid’s Typhoon appeal, launched only six weeks ago to help survivors of one of the worst storms in history, have topped £2.2 million.
Christian Aid has reached more than 83,000 people in some of the worst affected and most isolated areas of the Philippines with essential food and shelter since the disaster on 8 November. Distributions will continue over the Christmas period with the priority then moving towards longer term needs.
Alwynn Javier, Christian Aid Senior Programme Manager, said: ‘Christmas is a very important event among the predominantly Christian population of the Philippines. Thousands of families affected by Typhoon Haiyan will be spending Christmas with no homes, no jobs and for many no loved ones to spend it with.’
'We are working with our partner organisations to support the most vulnerable and hard to reach communities by delivering essential food and shelter to those who need it most.
‘Helping people recover and get back on their feet will be the focus of our work over the coming months and years ahead. Supporting households and communities to build back stronger and become more resilient in the future has never been more important.
‘It is thanks to the generosity of the British public that we have raised £2million to provide relief. Please pray for these communities who have very little this year, and continue to support our appeal.'
An estimated 5.9 million people now face an uncertain future after their livelihoods were destroyed as many relied on coconut trees and fishing to earn an income. Christian Aid will work with those who have lost their means of income to ensure they are able to restart their lives, a task that is likely to take more than five years.
The storm, with winds of a velocity unprecedented in recent times, and a major sea storm surge devastated vast regions of Samar, Leyte and Iloilo provinces. Around 14 million people were affected and over 6,000 people lost their lives.
Christian Aid and its local partner organisations Coastal Core, CODE, PRDCI and PhilNet/RDI-Leyte have distributed essential food packages including rice, canned meat and cooking oil, as well as items including tarpaulin sheets and ropes, sleeping mats, soap and toothpaste. They will have reached 100,000 people by the end of December.
Christian Aid is part of the the DEC Philippines Typhoon Appeal which has now raised £81 million.
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If you would like further information please contact jrogers@christian-aid.org 24 hour press duty phone – 07850 242950
