ACT Alert: Typhoon Durian, Philippines
Elisabeth Gouel
Website: http://www.act-intl.org
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Alert
Philippines - No 2/2006
Typhoon Durian
Geneva, 6 December 2006
The field office of ACT member Christian Aid, which is based in the Philippines, reports that the typhoon destroyed most of the basic facilities and infrastructure including electricity and communications in the affected locations. The National Disaster Co-ordinating Council (NDCC) initially estimates the damage to property and agriculture at 274 million pesos (US$ 5,325,558). The most severely hit province is Albay, which has yet to recover from the Mt. Mayon eruption in August and Typhoon Xinxane in September. Destruction of residential structures and other properties by strong winds and flooding was extensive throughout Legaspi City, capital of Albay province. However, the most devastating was the unexpected mudflow that came from the slopes of Mt. Mayon burying several villages. Among the most affected are the villages at the foot of Mt. Mayon in Legaspi Daraga, and Sto. Domingo towns. Two other nearby provinces, Marinduque and Mindoro have also suffered extensive damage. In the current year, the Philippines has been hit by 18 typhoons, some of them closely following each other. This is severely affecting the coping capacities of communities and support structures.ippines has been hit by 18 typhoons, some of them closely following each other. This is severely affecting the coping capacities of communities and support structures.
Christian Aid, through its implementing partners, is planning to join with the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) in an ACT Appeal to provide emergency lifesaving assistance and address short-term rehabilitation needs for the affected communities.
The ACT CO would be grateful for indications of support from donors for both Christian Aid and NCCP proposals.
Any funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jessie Kgoroeadira, ACT Finance Officer (jkg@act-intl.org).
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ACT is a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies worldwide.
The ACT Coordinating Office is based with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in Switzerland.
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