Update on Typhoon Mangkhut Emergency

September 21, 2018

The death toll in the Philippines from Typhoon Mangkhut (Ompong) has risen to 81 people. ABM partner ECARE reported that among the dead were eight rescue workers, some of whom were Episcopalians.

The Philippines Government reported that most rice crops in the path of the typhoon were damaged, affecting a total of 212,491 farmers. Other crops were also affected, as well as livestock. ECARE added, “Vegetable farmers in Cabacab and Dagadag, Balili, Mankayan in the province of Benguet just finished planting cabbage and potato seedlings a few days before the onslaught of Ompong. These vegetable gardens were covered with mud so there is no hope for any of these seedlings to grow.  But some farmers are more adversely affected by the destruction of their greenhouses (as this cost much higher to rehabilitate). For example the Samahang Kababaihang Magsasaka, a women’s organization that gained support from ECARE to establish a greenhouse, were helpless as the strong winds and rains destroyed their greenhouse.”

The Diocese of Northern Luzon was one of the worst affected. In Baggao, the Anglican church was completely blown away, together with 17 other houses. Overall, four dioceses have been affected. All four have launched relief operations. Local donations are pouring in.  In addition, ECARE has made available an amount of P500,000 as start-up fund for farmers to re-plant and rehabilitate their farmlands.

In Australia, ABM is appealing for AUD $ 100,000 to provide assistance, through ECARE, to the many communities across the northern Philippines that have been affected by the typhoon.

To donate to this emergency appeal, please go to www.abmission.org/typhoon-mangkhut-emergency 

 

Typhoon damaged houses in Baggao. ©