SUPER TYPHOON GONI

 HITS THE PHILIPPINES

Earlier today we heard news that Super Typhoon Goni hit the Philippines with 140 mph winds and torrential rainfall – ripping off roofs, taking out power and damaging buildings. It caused landslides and flooding across parts of the country.

This was the most powerful storm to hit the country since Haiyan in 2013. Almost 1 million people have been forced from their homes and this time families face a double threat of having nowhere to live except for overcrowded evacuation centres whilst also trying to protect themselves from coronavirus.

We have a team on the ground and ShelterBox aid is already in the country. We are preparing supplies of emergency shelter, solar lights and other essential aid items to help families in the worst hit areas. This will enable some of the most vulnerable people to move from evacuation centres to a more private space, where they will be able to socially distance.

Rotary in the Philippines plays a key part in our work in the country. Without Rotary support we would not be able to help families across the Philippines recover after disaster.

Worryingly, the destruction may not be over. Storm Asanti is also quickly approaching and is due to hit the Philippines on Thursday. We need to be able to re-stock the warehouse as quickly as possible to be ready for the next storm.

We cannot stress enough the importance of shelter during this pandemic - please help us protect families by supporting our vital work today.

“People in the Philippines have scarcely been able to draw breath from the physical, emotional and economic onslaught of COVID-19. Now they face the destruction of their homes and livelihoods by a relentless series of storms”

Sanj Srikanthan ShelterBox CEO