Flooding in the Philippines

As you have seen on the news recently, the Philippines has been hit recently with two major Typhoons. As I write the country is preparing for a third, and much stronger storm, named Ramil locally or Lupit internationally.

The first Typhoon, Ondoy, killed several hundred Filipinos in Manila and the surrounding areas in late September. Flooding caused great damage to many structures in low areas, including a few orphanages. Our agency's offices in Manila were spared, as apparently were other government offices. The child we sponsor was also not affected by the storms.

Typhoon Pepeng hit north of Manila a few weeks later and triggered flooding and mudslides in these rural areas.

Amongst our adoption community, we have read harrowing stories of survival from the flood waters. I felt so badly those parents who have received adoption referrals but who had not yet traveled. The stress was so great until they, days later, received word that their children were okay.

Clean up from the mud and high waters continues day-by-day. This slow process is hampered by the continuing wave of storms. Disease from flood waters is a major concern.

Articles and photos on these storms can found at the links below, or by googling Philippines news. Unfortunately, there are many articles.

http://www.unicef.org/philippines/

http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/philippines_51459.html

http://www.crs.org/philippines/katrina-of-philippines/

Video
http://english.ntdtv.com/ntdtv_en/ns_asia/2009-10-21/012908101278.html

Also - new: our agency, PSBI, is collecting monetary donations. For more information or to contribute visit: http://www.psbi.org/site/PageServer?pagename=PSBI_Typhoon_Relief_Fund_2009


I'll try to post an update in a few days, and additional updates on some happier subjects, like culture, food, music, trivia, etc. soon as well.