Just a week before Christmas, Typhoon Washi dumped a month’s worth of rain in 12 hours creating flashflood conditions on parts of Mindanao Island in the Philippines.
“The tragedy was unexpected and people were not aware of the flashflood as this happened around 2:00 in the morning,” says Foursquare Philippines National Leader Val Chaves. “I think this is the worst disaster we have experienced in Metro Manila.” Val says Foursquare people have lost homes in Cagayan de Oro. Foursquare leaders are awaiting reports from our Foursquare district supervisor in other provinces, including the Visayas, another hard hit area.
Overall, an estimated 338,000 people have been affected and more than 10,000 homes damaged following a flashflood that according to locals, is unusual for this part of the Philippines. The BBC reports that 40,000 people on Mindanao, many of whom were already desperately poor, are now living in evacuation centers after losing their homes and possessions. The death toll has topped 1,000.
The Foursquare Church in the Philippines took immediate action following the disaster and began responding to the needs of their communities. At the time of this writing, seven Foursquare families have been evacuated and are living with the other 40,000 evacuees in government provided centers where news reports indicate disease is beginning to break out. The greatest immediate need is water, food, and clothing for victims and their families.
Foursquare Greater Los Angeles District Missions Representative Remi Lawanson says the district has a close working relationship with Foursquare Philippines and is sending a team there in 2012. Foursquare Missional Leader, Rod Koop, has connected with many church planters in Manila and says that these leaders are responding to affected people where they live.
We have continued to stay in contact and assess the needs of the Philippine Church, and support and coordinate things as they are brought up. The fast action by the National Philippine Church to help their own people was amazing to see, and hear about the great ministry and relief they were able to give.
Chad
