Families seeking refuge in evacuation centers receive hot meals, sleeping mats and other relief.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines - As rainwater flooded the streets on a small island nearby, the locals began to pray. They were trapped. The bridge to the mainland was inaccessible, there were mudslides in the mountains and the water level was rising.

For five days, residents across the region waited anxiously for help as more houses disappeared under the murky water.

“When we saw the extent of damage the flood had caused, many of the people had lost hope,” said Felicidad Mendio, pastor of a church in Cagayan De Oro City (CDO).

The military stepped in to rescue those stranded on their rooftops. But for 4,300 others left homeless, there was no relief.

Then, Operation Blessing stepped in to help.

Flood victims have access to clean drinking water thanks to a water purification system.

Aid operations began in several towns, including CDO. Food, blankets and sleeping mats were distributed to several thousand families who sought refuge in evacuation centers. A portable water purifying station was also setup, while medical teams were dispatched to the area to help the injured and those suffering from water-borne sicknesses caused by drinking contaminated water.

Philippine Airlines also partnered with OBI, airlifting 92 boxes of relief goods weighing a total of 1.9 tons to Cagayan de Oro.

In less than two weeks, OBI served more than 14,000 people affected by what some officials are saying is the worst flood to hit this area since World War I.

Now, the locals are giving back to their community, working together to clean up their flooded towns and villages through OBI’s Food for Work program.

“All of us enjoyed cleaning because we were all helping each other out,” said Nelia Rivera, one of the volunteers. “It’s really different if everybody is united.”

With OBI’s Food for Work program, volunteers like Rivera are paid in food to clean up schools, streets and other public spaces. Over thirty families so far jumped at the chance to be involved in this program.

“The food will be a great help for the families… but what’s more important was that you have given them their dignity,” Pastor Mendio said. “They didn’t just earn for the day, they were also able to help the community.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help by making an online donation toward OBI's disaster relief efforts. With your support, we can continue to provide emergency relief and recovery. Please make an on-line donation today.

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