World Vision calls off relief team trip due to landslide fears. Northern and Central Luzon areas conduct pre-emptive evacuation.

MANILA - As Tropical Storm Lupit (local name: Ramil) continues to gain strength as it approaches the northern tip of Luzon, families, communities, government agencies and aid agencies are braced for more of nature's fury.

"So many people have already been devastated by the two consecutive storms that hit our country. Another storm at this point would really be disastrous," said Filomena Portales, Advocacy and Communications director of World Vision in the Philippines.

The emotional toll that the storms take is also starting to pile up. People are concerned for their families and loved ones and every time a new storm comes, anxiety begins again, she said.

"Our aid workers are already over stretched due to the massive relief efforts that we've been doing the past three weeks. But things are even worse in the communities. If Lupit batters the communities who have yet to recover from the previous wreckage, it would be harder for us to reach those in need," Portales added.

A government-initiated relief relief caravan was suspended last Monday due to upcoming storm.

Amid the impending threat of Lupit, World Vision was set Wednesday to send relief teams into Pangasinan and Benguet in Northern Luzon to distribute food items to he communities severely affected by flooding and landslides. However, the aid agency was warned of landslides along roads going to Benguet. The aid agency suspended its planned relief operation in Benguet but decided press on with relief distribution work in Pangasinan among 4,000 families.

"We are doubling our efforts now. We have to move fast. Today, teams have already left Manila for Northern Luzon so we can start distributing food aid before the storm makes a landfall. We also have to ensure the safety of our staff who are doing relief work," Portales said.

World Vision has also alerted programmes staff in Cagayan province, just as the state weather bureau warned that four provinces namely Cagayan, Apayao, Ilocos Norte and Batanes will be hardest hit when Lupit makes landfall later this week.

Lupit is believed to be more powerful than Parma. It is packed with maximum winds of 195 kph and gusts of up to 230 kph.

"We are doing our best to prepare for the worst. People living in high risk areas particularly along riverbanks, mountain slopes and coastlines are already doing pre-emptive evacuation," said Wilma Lacaden, World Vision staff in Cagayan province.

Lacaden added, "We are now identifying point persons for communications, assessment and prepositioning of relief goods in case we respond so that we are prepared in case the typhoon strikes."

"The people are still reeling from the impact of the previous typhoon. We are hoping and praying that the typhoon will not hit us or the impact will be minimal," said Lacaden.

To date, many people are still displaced from the previous storms and suffering with serious health conditions.

In efforts to help people rebuild their lives, World Vision is currently implementing a Cash-for-Work project in Metro Manila areas affected by Ketsana. It has also turned over medical equipment and supplies in Cainta to help restore health services.

"The frequent storms are making it very difficult for relief agencies to help rebuild. Another storm, or any calamity in that matter, would be sure to set back their recovery," added Portales.

On Monday, a 5.3 magnitude earthquake jolted central and southern Luzon areas including Metro Manila.

For media interviews, please coordinate with:

Diwa Aquino-Gacosta, Communications Manager Cell: (+63) 9209029167 diwa_gacosta@wviorg

Filomena "Minnie" Portales, Advocacy & Communications Director Cell: (+63) 9175342165 minnie_portales@wvi.org