Over 133,000 homes destroyed or damaged across 30 provinces
Bangkok, 13th December 2012 – Habitat for Humanity has launched an appeal to assist thousands of families affected by Typhoon Bopha (called Pablo in the Philippines), which destroyed or damaged more than 133,000 homes.
The typhoon struck on Tuesday 4 December, killing more than 700 people and affecting 5.4 million, according to latest government statistics. Around 100,000 people are still in evacuation centers across the Visayas and Mindanao islands of southern Philippines*.
Habitat for Humanity Philippines has already distributed emergency shelter repair kits to families in Monkayo, Compostela Valley, on the island of Mindanao – one of the worst affected areas. It aims to support more than 15,000 families with shelter repair kits over the coming weeks. Shelter repair kits contain lumber, fiber cement boards, galvanized iron sheeting, nails, hammer, handsaw, nails and roof sealant.
“Tens of thousands of people in the Philippines are in need of shelter. The need is great and we are appealing for funds so that we can help more affected families. As in previous disasters, we are committed to supporting affected families rebuild their lives and gain access to decent shelter,” said Rick Hathaway, Asia-Pacific vice president for Habitat for Humanity.
To donate, please visit habitat.org/asiapacific
Bopha comes almost a year after tropical storm Washi, known locally as Sendong, killed more than 1,500 people in Mindanao. Habitat for Humanity Philippines launched a massive disaster response operation then, building thousands of homes for affected families in Cagayan de Oro.
* All statistics from the Republic of the Philippines Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (12 December 2012) - ndrrmc.gov.ph
Notes to Editors
To set up interviews, receive photography or further information, please contact Heron Holloway on +65 9068 1892 or hholloway@habitat.org
About Habitat for Humanity Philippines
Habitat for Humanity Philippines is a non-profit organization that serves Filipinos in need of decent homes. HFH Philippines brings together partners who share the same vision of transforming lives through building responsible and sustainable communities. Established in 1988, HFH Philippines is a country affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. For 23 years, HFH Philippines has served over 32,000 families throughout the country. HFH Philippines envisions that every Filipino family has a decent place to live.
habitat.org.ph
About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is a global nonprofit housing organization that seeks to bring people together to build homes, communities and hope. Since 1976, Habitat has served more than 500,000 families by building and improving homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. An estimated 176,000 of these families are in the Asia-Pacific region, where Habitat has been active since 1983. For more information, to donate or to volunteer, please visit habitat.org/asiapacific or follow us at facebook.com/habitat.
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Heron Holloway
Media Relations and Disaster Communications Manager, Asia-Pacific
Habitat for Humanity International • Asia-Pacific Satellite Office
56 Lorong 23 Geylang, #05-00, Century Technology Building, Singapore 388381
Tel: +65 6744 2768 • Mobile: +65 9068 1892 • Skype: heron.holloway
hholloway@habitat.org• habitat.org/asiapacific | What will you build?