ShelterBox assessing need for emergency aid in Philippines

ShelterBox are mobilising a Response Team in the Philippines to assess the need for emergency shelter following devastating storms and flash floods. 

Rescue efforts are continuing on the island of Mindanao as over five hundred people are reported to have lost their lives and many hundreds are still unaccounted for. Thousands more people have been displaced after the tropical storm Washi hit the area on Friday night, coinciding with high tides on the island, causing rivers to break their banks. Hundreds of homes have been destroyed and thousands of families have been made homeless, with many sheltering in evacuation centres according to the Philippine's authorities. 

ShelterBox is liaising with its Philippine affiliate, Rotarians on the ground and highly trained volunteer Response Team members in the area to assess what support can be offered. ShelterBox has deployed to the Philippines eight times in the last five years and holds pre-positioned stock in the country to enable rapid support.

Jess Nicdao who is en route to the affected area said 'This is the first time we have deployed to Mindanao - with the help of our Rotary friends, I am sure we can provide the much needed help.'