Typhoon Megi ravaged eastern Taiwan on October 22-23, 2010, causing severe flooding in Yilan County. A few days earlier, the same typhoon struck northern Philippines, resulting in flash floods, landslides, damage to homes, basic infrastructure and crops. More than two million people were affected.
During the same period of time, incessant downpour impacted Thailand and Laos, affecting a total of 350,000 people. World Vision offices across Asia have responded to meet the immediate needs in these affected countries.
People hardest hit in a natural disaster are often the poorest communities within a country. “Megi has caused widespread destruction in an area where many people live in flimsy homes. Large swathes of rice paddy fields have been destroyed just before the harvest was due in. This combination of household damage and looming food insecurity is going to have a lasting impact,” said World Vision Philippines National Director Elnora Avarientos.
World Vision Taiwan provided people in Taiwan affected by Typhoon Megi with house-cleaning support and financial assistance. Further support was also provided through child sponsorship to address specific needs of the hardest-hit families.
World Vision Philippines distributed food, non-food items, rice and corn seeds, and house repair materials to typhoon survivors. Medical services and Child Friendly Spaces were also facilitated.
World Vision Philippines is targeting 30,500 families (152,500 people) in six municipalities in Isabela Province with a five-month emergency response. The relief work includes distribution of food and non-food items, house repairing and reconstruction, medical care, livelihood recovery, education, and psychosocial support.
World Vision Thailand and Laos also distributed emergency relief packs consisting food, water, hygiene products, blankets, and candles to flood survivors, and are preparing to support the worst affected communities with recovery and rehabilitation programs.