Typhoon Rai (Odette): Emergency Relief Fund Launched
On 16-17 December 2021, a powerful typhoon Rai (local name: Odette) made landfall in the islands of central Philippines, causing extensive damage. As of 22 December, 2.4 million people and 604,322 households have been affected and 375 lives have been lost.
North Palawan after typhoon Rai.
Photo: Courtesy of Bumi Wadah Philippines
The full extent of the damage, particularly on the smaller islands, is still being assessed and further reports are expected once communications are restored.
The Peace Boat Disaster Relief (PBV) is in contact with multiple organizations in the Philippines to gather information at a local level. On the ground, government agencies are working to save lives and clear the area, while many international organizations and NGOs have launched emergency relief activities in parallel with needs assessments in the affected communities. Reports indicate that emergency needs include food, drinking water, hygiene products, safe housing and psychosocial support.
PBV has set up an emergency relief fund to help those affected by the typhoon. The funds raised will support the emergency response carried out by maternity centers operated by the Bumi Sehat Foundation. The Bumi-Wadah Philippines, which is a local partner of the foundation, currently operates two maternity clinics in the Philippines. Since 2013, it has been providing free maternity care to impoverished pregnant women, emergency assistance and training for midwives. The team at Bumi-Wadah Philippines utilizes its office in Cebu and maternity center in Palawan as bases to distribute family survival packages (water buckets, water filters, hygiene kits, solar lights and emergency food) and other needed items to the communities in Bohol and Palawan, where the typhoon caused extensive damage. PBV is looking to expand our support to additional local partners, depending on local assistance needs in the future.
North Palawan after typhoon Rai. Photo: Courtesy of Bumi Wadah Philippines
The recovery process will take a long time. We seek your generous support so that these communities can return to their regular lives as quickly and smoothly as possible.
Please visit our DONATION page and help us support those in challenging situations. Thank you very much.