On 16 July 2019, heavy rain and wind caused by Typhoon Falcon devastated Maranding and neighbouring towns in Lanao del Norte on the island of Mindanao, Philippines.
Maranding is a former parish of the Columban missionaries.
Houses and crops, including corn, coconut and banana trees were destroyed in the flood. Since then relief efforts by local government, parishes and local NGOs have been helping the people rebuild their shattered lives.
The Pedaling to Live programme, founded by Columban missionary Fr Oliver McCrossan and based in Ozamiz City, has been providing help to the victims.
Virgie Vidad, Co-ordinator of the programme sent this short report.
3 September 2019
“More than one month after Typhoon Falcon devastated the town, Maranding, Lala Lanao del Norte the victims are still living in the abandoned poultry building. Some children and adults are very sick due to the overcrowded conditions, congestion and unsanitary conditions with no proper hygiene.
I visited the area on 29 July and through your donations we were able to give rice and canned food to the stricken families.
Yesterday, 3 September, we distributed rice, dried fish, mongbeans, detergent, soap and coffee to thirty families. We have also provided them with material to build temporary accommodation.
Efforts are ongoing to help the survivors rebuild their lives. The immediate needs are food, medicines and shelter.”
If you would like to donate in support of the work of Virgie Vidad in the Philippines, please see: https://columbans.ie/donate/ and mark your donation for the ‘Pedalling to Live’ project. You can send a donation by post to: Missionary Society of St Columban, Dalgan Park, Navan, Co Meath, C15 AY2Y. Telephone: 00353 46 9021525.
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