Food is an urgent need in the Philippines. Credit: Caritas
Caritas member organisations have pledged €1.5 million in aid to the Philippines so far to help save lives and rebuild communities after a massive storm hit 8 November. The confederation is working through Caritas Philippines-NASSA, with the support of Catholic Relief Services, an American Caritas member. Local dioceses in the Philippines are already mobilising food to those most in need.
Emergency Shelter Kits
Typhoon Haiyan packed 235km/h winds that cut a swath of destruction through the Philippines, destroying tens of thousands of homes in its path. In Cadiz City, for example, about 5,000 houses have been destroyed. Based on population figures where the typhoon made direct hits, an estimated 200,000 homes could be destroyed.
Caritas will target heavily affected areas and distribute tarpaulins to families living in open areas. With the Philippines’ Bohol area having recently suffered a major earthquake in October, stocks of tarpaulins in Manila and Cebu City are low or depleted in the country.
We will assist families in constructing structures that will better protect them from the elements. Our teams will provide an emergency shelter kit that contains one durable tarp measuring 258 square feet, and nails for fastening it to an A-frame design. The frame can be made from salvaged materials or coconut lumber; the tarps are durable, long lasting and suitable for all climates. We have used this design extensively in other emergencies (most recently in the Bohol earthquake in the Philippines) and it has proven to be easy to assemble and well received by families.
Typhoon Haiyan packed 235km/h winds that cut a swath of destruction through the Philippines, destroying tens of thousands of homes in its path. Caritas member CRS has already purchased 18,000 tarps to be used as temporary shelter. Credit: Caritas
Emergency Household Living Supplies Kit
We face critical needs for jerry cans, clean water, hygiene supplies, sleeping materials and kitchen sets in the coming weeks. These supplies can be procured locally. Families lost much of what they had inside their homes—with essential supplies buried under rubble—and need the basics just to get by. Markets are also closed. We will help families access essential living supplies. Priorities include blankets, soap, buckets, blankets, towels, toothpaste and sanitary napkins.
Water, Hygiene and Sanitation Kits
Families have limited access to clean drinking water due to the loss of electricity, damage to pipes and contamination of water sources. Hygiene and sanitation assistance is critical to preventing waterborne diseases that often occur in crises and contexts like these. Also, families’ toilets and bathing areas will have been damaged or destroyed, likely leading to people practicing open defecation. People will be unable wash clothes or bathe due to lack of necessary soap and or water. Caritas will distribute hygiene kits to families in the affected areas. The kits will include a jerry can (bucket), pail with cover, and water purifying treatments. Distributions will include information sessions so families are aware of the practices and benefits of hand washing and proper handling and storage of water to reduce the risk of disease.
Cost List
- €6 ($8) provides a water kit for a family. This includes 1 jerry can, 1 pail and aqua tabs for water purification.
- €11 ($15) provides an emergency shelter kit. This includes tarps and nails that are combined with local materials to create emergency shelter.
- €16 ($22) provides household living supplies. This includes sleeping mats, three blanket, utensils, plastics, glasses, and a cooking pot.
- €21 ($28) provides hygiene kits. This includes a two-month family supply of soap, laundry powder, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine sanitary napkins, and towels.
Note: The amounts cover items only. They do not include costs associated with distribution, training and monitoring.