Between 16 and 17 December, Super Typhoon Rai (locally called Typhoon Odette) swept through the Philippines, leaving behind a trail of destruction across seven regions in the southern islands. Tearfund is responding.
The aftermath of the storm has been described by rescue teams as ‘complete carnage’. It is the most powerful storm to hit the region this year.
Just as local lockdowns due to the pandemic have started to ease, homes, hospitals, schools and community buildings have been left decimated. More than 375 people have been killed and many more are still missing.
Food is running out in some areas and access to water is difficult. It’s estimated that close to 2 million people have been affected, with about 440,000 people needing to take shelter in evacuation centres.
Many will have no homes to return to.
Fishing and farming communities have been particularly hard hit by Super Typhoon Rai – with huge losses of boats and fields – destroying people’s food supply and income sources.
.png)
