Philippines floods

October 2009

Christian Aid partners continue to respond to the needs of thousands of families affected by the Philippines floods that devastated the capital Manila and neighbouring provinces.

Tropical storm Ketsana hit Manila, the Philippines' capital, and 25 local provinces on 26 September. A month's rainfall fell in one day and resulted in widespread flooding that claimed the lives of nearly 350 people and left over 10,000 homes damaged or destroyed.

More than four million people have been affected and whilst the flood waters are receding many people are struggling to survive having lost homes, possessions and livelihoods.

Immediate needs include access to shelter, clean water, clothing, medical assistance and food.

Our response

Christian Aid's partners, even though many have been personally affected, responded immediately and continue to help meet people’s humanitarian needs.

Partners, the Social Pastoral Institute, Urban Poor Alliance and COPE work in Manila’s poorest districts - the areas that have been worst affected by the flooding.

Our partners are responding to the needs of 4,500 families by:

delivering food, water and clothing for displaced families.
distributing relief packages that include candles, sleeping mats, mosquito nets and cooking equipment to families that have lost everything.

Climate change

The flooding, the worst that the Philippines has experienced in decades, highlights the impact that climate change is having on the world’s poorest communities.

These communities are the least prepared to deal with an increase in erratic weather conditions such as the intense and unpredictable rainfall caused by typhoon Ketsanna.

You can help support our climate change work now and in the long term by making a regular commitment to Christian Aid.