Crossing Mountains and Rivers to Deliver Aid in the Philippines
Peace Winds continues to deliver emergency aid in Cebu Island in the Philippines. Parts of the island were devastated when Typhoon Kalmaegi struck on the heels of a major earthquake last fall. Most recently, Peace Winds teams delivered emergency food, hygiene supplies, and bedding, including in hard-to-reach areas that have been cut off from other support efforts.
Collapsed yellow bridge (left) and people crossing the river in Balamban
In Balamban, a city on Cebu Island’s west coast, rivers were overrun during the typhoon. The floodwaters collapsed houses, crumbled bridges, and caused mudslides that cut off roads. The disaster upended thousands of people’s lives, and the damage is still visible in many areas.
Balamban’s remote, mountainous village of Luca is one that was hit particularly hard. Residents typically commute to the neighboring village across the river for things like work, school, and shopping. But the bridge was destroyed in the disaster, so now the only way across the river is through it. This is possible with a vehicle or motorbike when water levels are low but becomes more difficult when it rains.
This has also made it difficult for aid groups to reach the village after the disaster. So Peace Winds worked with government officials to deliver goods to 17 communities in Luca and other villages in Balamban that have received less support. Staff loaded a truck with supplies that was able to cross the river. They could see rocks and debris, evidence of landslides, as they drove the mountain roads before finally reaching the villages. Residents said they were grateful that support could be delivered to their remote communities.
In Balamban, aid truck crosses river to deliver supplies (left); residents who received supplies from Peace Winds’ distribution (right)
Residents of Talisay, a city on Cebu’s east coast, were also hit hard by floods and overflowing rivers due to Typhoon Kalmaegi. Many lost their homes and have been living in schools and gymnasiums used as temporary shelters. However, as these buildings are gradually returned to their usual functions, evacuees are moving into outdoor tent settlements. That creates a greater need for items like bedding and hygiene supplies, so Peace Winds coordinated with city officials in Talisay to deliver them to families sheltering there.
Going forward, Peace Winds will continue to work with affected communities in the Philippines for the foreseeable future to deliver aid where it is most needed.