The destructive force of the mudslide buried a village with an estimated population of 1,875.

In addition to handing out disaster relief kits, OBI provided dinner for 475 evacuees. Feeding programs and disaster relief activities remain ongoing.

GUINSAUGON, Philippines - As search and rescue efforts continue for an estimated 1,800 people in Southern Leyte, an island in the Philippines, Operation Blessing disaster relief teams are working quickly to provide much-needed assistance to survivors and evacuees.

"We have now identified 638 families in two evacuation centers and 100 families living in two churches whom we will be giving personal needs like toiletries and blankets, kitchen utensils, clothes and medicines," said Dr. Kim Pascual, OBI Regional Director for the Philippines.

OBI teams have been on the ground since Saturday, just one day following the collapse of Mount Kanabag that buried an entire village, including an elementary school, within minutes. Those who did survive were villagers doing business in the nearby town or who were able to run to safety, said Pascual.

Vicente is one such survivor. He arrived from Manila two weeks ago to help at his father-in-law’s farm located near the village.

"He was at the farm with his father-in-law when it happened," said Pascual. "He turned and saw the rocks and mud flowing and was able to run on safe ground. But he lost his wife and three kids."

OBI is responding to the need by providing meals and disaster relief kits filled with toiletries, blankets, shoes and other basic necessities to survivors. They are also mobilizing local churches to provide trauma counseling in addition to other emergency relief efforts.

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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