Responding to Typhoon Mangkhut
Web Statement
September 19, 2018
Typhoon Mangkhut Relief Continues with Support
Episcopal Relief & Development stands ready to support the Episcopal Community Action for Renewal and Empowerment Development Program (E-CARE) of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP) which is assisting four local dioceses that are assessing damage and preparing to launch relief operations for communities impacted by Typhoon Mangkhut.
Typhoon Mangkhut, locally called Ompong, tore through the northern Philippines on Saturday, Sept. 15 destroying homes and farmlands on Luzon, the country’s largest and most populous island. Rescue operations are still underway for possible survivors of a massive landslide that hit Ucab in Itogon, Benguet. On Tuesday, rescue teams used their hands and shovels to excavate a site where part of a mountain slope collapsed on miners’ barracks in which several people had taken shelter from the storm. According to local authorities on Tuesday, an estimated 55 people were still missing.
Episcopal Relief & Development’s partner, E-CARE has promptly responded by providing critical emergency supplies including food, clothing and building materials. Local church partners and a youth group are spearheading relief distribution to the affected communities in the province. Additionally, communities and congregations are working together to rebuild and repair damaged houses and clear up road networks.
“I am very impressed by our partners’ swift response and capacity to work together to care for their communities when they need it most,” said Nagulan Nesiah, Episcopal Relief & Development’s Senior Program Officer for Disaster Response and Risk Reduction.
Farmlands bore the brunt of the typhoon. According to the Philippine government’s Department of Agriculture, most of the affected rice crops were damaged, impacting a total of more than 200,000 farmers. Vegetable farmers in the province of Benguet had just finished planting seedlings a few days before the onslaught of Mangkhut. They will have to start from zero again. Episcopal Relief & Development will support the Episcopal Church in the Philippines as they prepare for recovery efforts to help farmers to replant and rehabilitate their farmlands.
ECP has a vast presence in the region and reaches 400 communities. Building on the church’s established trust and existing relationships with these communities, they can identify gaps and connect those in need with critical supplies and services.
“Our prayers are with all those impacted, who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods or are separated from their families,” said Nagulan.
To support Episcopal Relief & Development’s response to this disaster, please pray for those impacted or make a donation to the International Disaster Response Fund.
For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.
Web statement
September 17, 2018
Responding to Typhoon Mangkhut
Episcopal Relief & Development is working with church partners in the Philippines and the region as they assess damage and prepare to respond to communities impacted by Typhoon Mangkhut.
Mangkhut made landfall in the Philippine province of Cagayan on September 15 as a Category 5 super typhoon, and subsequently impacted Hong Kong and southern Mainland China. Late afternoon Sunday, Mangkhut made landfall in Guangdong, China’s most populous province, where ferocious winds of up to 107 miles per hour tore off roofs from buildings, and caused serious flooding in low-lying areas. As of September 16, at least 69 people are believed to have died in the storm.
Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with the Episcopal Church in the Philippines (ECP) and its development arm, the Episcopal Community Action for Renewal and Empowerment Development Program (E-CARE).
While the assessment phase continues, E-CARE is determining how best to mobilize to support the government’s relief response. Over the weekend, relief activities included using some Episcopal churches as evacuation centers.
In the long-term, rice shortages are expected to be acute and are already driving up prices by up to 50 percent. E-CARE is planning to assist with livelihoods recovery by providing rice seeds and planting equipment.
“It’s a terrible situation, particularly for vulnerable communities whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed by Mangkhut. Our hearts go out to everyone impacted as we continue working with our partners to determine how best to swiftly respond to their immediate and long-term needs,” said Nagulan Nesiah, Senior Program Officer, Disaster Response and Risk Reduction for Episcopal Relief & Development.
To support Episcopal Relief & Development’s response to this disaster, please pray for those impacted or make a donation to the International Disaster Response Fund.
For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.
