'Overflowing rivers, downed power lines making some communities in Cagayan inaccessible'
CAGAYAN PROVINCE -- (The Philippines) -- As Typhoon Parma's devastating winds and rain are moving off the northern coast of Luzon Island, World Vision staff are distributing relief supplies and conducting assessments of survivors' needs.
"There are many uprooted trees, as well as down power lines making roads impassable in some areas," says Wilma Lacaden, a member of the Christian organisation's staff in Cagayan Province. "Homes constructed of light materials were blown away. In many areas, there is no electricity, and rivers have overflowed making some towns and villages inaccessible."
Reports indicate Typhoon Parma is stalling off the northwestern section of Luzon, and its direction, as of Sunday afternoon, is uncertain.
In the community of Isabela, staff of the international Christian agency Saturday night handed out food and candles to 200 families, and another 350 families in nearby Zambales will be targeted today (Sunday) for assistance.
"Each World Vision relief pack is designed to feed a family of five for upwards of two days and supplement food provided by local government agencies," she said.
Media reports indicate three people died after Parma slammed into the area Saturday afternoon. Other unconfirmed reports indicate 12 or more perished when their homes were buried in mudslides.
More than 14,000 families - nearly 70,000 individuals - are affected in northern Luzon according to government reports.
World Vision staff Sunday afternoon are conducting assessments of survivors' needs in coordination with local government agencies, "so that our actions are synchronized," she said.
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Contents of World Vision Relief Pack:
Five kilos rice
One package of high protein biscuits
Candles
Six packages of noodles
Four tins of sardines
One five-litre bottle of drinking water
Designed to feed a family of five for upwards of three days and supplement food provided by local government agencies
CONTACT:
Filomena "Minnie" Portales, Advocacy & Communications Director
Cell: (+63) -9175342165
Diwa Aquino-Gacosta, Communications Manager
Cell: (+63) - 9209029167
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
A priest leads a mass for typhoon victims in Quezon City, Metro Manila, October 4, 2009. A powerful typhoon slowly moved out to sea on Sunday after slamming into the remote ...
