Survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, a massive storm that tore through nine regions of the Philippines last Friday, continue to struggle.
The
death toll has risen to more than 3,600 people and fears remain that thousands
more, in areas where the devastation has not yet been fully documented, could
have perished.
The
number of injured has climbed above 12,000. In all, more than 9 million people
are affected, and nearly 1.9 million have been displaced.
First-hand
reports, from a HOPE International Development Agency colleague who was on the
ground in the Cebu and Bohol this week, speak of the terrible destruction and
personal devastation, especially in some of the more isolated communities
throughout Cebu.
In
parts of northern Cebu, the destruction defies imagination - in some of the
areas visited, nearly 95% of the homes have been obliterated.
In
Bohol, an area where we are helping thousands of families recover from a
massive earthquake just 3 weeks ago, Typhoon Haiyan struck with high winds and torrential
rains that caused additional damage and suffering - thousands of families remain
in a state of shock and disbelief.
Along
one 50km section of battered road, survivors stood by the roadside, holding up
makeshift signs, pleading for help.
One
Philippine official stated that “this is not devastation, it is obliteration,”
when speaking with our colleague.
HOPE
International Development Agency is continuing with its efforts to provide
food, water, shelter and other urgently needed items to survivors as they struggle
in the aftermath of the super storm.
