August 10, 2012

More than two million people in the Philippine capital of Manila alone were affected by the flooding caused by two weeks of heavy rains, leaving at least 60 people dead, more than 360,000 in evacuation shelters and homes, businesses and cropland flooded ‹ or in some cases, washed away.

According to reports, more than half of Manila, a city of 12 million, was submerged by the rains and flooding. In one 72-hour period, 34 inches of rain fell in Manila, while some outlying areas recorded as much as 39 inches of rain. As the rains have finally subsided, floodwaters remain in many areas, while thick, litter-filled muck and mire remain wherever waters have receded.

Assemblies of God Missionary Bill Snider, area director for Southeast Asia, says that many AG churches in Central Luzon and metro Manila have requested assistance, as some are evacuation sites and others experienced loss themselves or are ministering to the multitude of needy throughout the city.

"Flooding in the city [Manila] is extensive, especially in the poorer areas and areas close to the rivers," Snider confirms.

"However, we've also heard from outside the city, where rain is still falling in some areas, and croplands have become inland seas.

Right now, the need is to provide food, drinking water, medicine for water-borne diseases, clothing and blankets."

Asia-Pacific Regional Director Russ Turney reports, "AG World Missions has already sent substantial relief funds for the purchase of emergency supplies. We're grateful that Convoy of Hope was able to immediately distribute more than 40,000 meals to flood victims that were on hand in their warehouse in Manila for children's feeding programs."

Hal Donaldson, founder and president of Convoy of Hope, adds, "Crises like this demonstrate the effectiveness of our longstanding partnership with AG World Missions. As was the case in the Haiti earthquake, the feeding program we already had in place enabled us to use food already on hand to respond quickly and efficiently in a sudden crisis. More than 4,000 AG churches in the Philippines are an unequaled distribution network to touch the poor and suffering in that country."

Turney and Donaldson state that relief efforts are ongoing and the churches and volunteers involved need prayer for strength and protection along with additional relief supplies to minister to the needy.

AG News