Following its exit
from the Philippine landmass, Typhoon Ulysses (international name Vamco) leaves
the entire Luzon grid, including Metro Manila, heavily battered and inundated
due to destructive winds and raging flood.
"It is
heartbreaking to see photos of children and their families seeking safer ground
due to the massive flooding. Ulysses has also caused further damage to the
already Rolly-stricken communities in the Bicol Region, where World Vision is
currently doing an emergency response," says Rommel Fuerte, World Vision
Development Foundation National Director.
Lea, one of the
thousands who fled the raging flood in Rodriguez, Rizal province shares,
"The water level rose very fast. When I was evacuating my 10-day old baby,
the flood was already knee-deep. The rest of the family members were left
stranded at home and had to be rescued.
While the
28-year-old mother is grateful that she and her family are now safe, she also
appeals for support as they stay in an evacuation center. They are in need of
foods, hygiene kits, face masks, blanket and other emergency essentials.
"I worry about
my baby's welfare. We're just using discarded boxes as sleeping mat," she
adds.
Ulysses, packed a
strength of 155kph near its center and 255 gustiness during its peak intensity,
made three landfalls. It maintained its strength while moving towards Western
Luzon, bringing torrential rains that caused dams and rivers to swell.
Thousands of families were stranded in flooded areas.
"We are
dealing with multiple disasters, including COVID-19. As people seek refuge, we
call on LGUs and all stakeholders to observe health protocols in evacuation
centers. These disasters could also cause distress to children, especially
those who have been through the horrifying experience from typhoon Rolly. Let
us come together to support their needs in these trying times," appeals
Fuerte.
World Vision has
already mounted its humanitarian response for Ulysses-affected families,
specifically in Marikina and Rizal, and started distributing hygiene kits that
include toothbrushes, toothpaste, underwear for children and adults, bath and
laundry soaps, malong and other essentials like blanket, plastic mat and
mosquito nets.
World Vision teams in Bicol Region, particularly in Catanduanes, Camarines Norte and Albay, have resumed humanitarian efforts.
Meanwhile in
Northern Luzon, a state of calamity has been declared in the provinces of
Isabela and Cagayan due to heavy rain and massive floods brought by Ulysees and
the release of water from Magat Dam.
World Vision,
coordinating with LGUs and community partners in the north, continues to
monitor and account the full extent of Ulysses' impact in the entire Luzon.
The ASEAN
Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance (AHA) Center estimates that
around 19.1 million people are along the typhoon's path. Metro Manila alone has
over 12 million population.
For your support,
visit: https://www.worldvision.org.ph/donate/typhoon-ulysses-response/
About
World Vision
World Vision is a global Christian relief, development and
advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families, and
communities to overcome poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people,
regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
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