Source: Oikocredit.
Original press release available online.
AMERSFOORT, the Netherlands, October 15 – With flash floods, earthquakes and tsunamis lashing countries in South East Asia and the Pacific, it has been a horrific month for millions around the world. Indonesia was struck with an earthquake that measured 7.6 on the Richter scale, while the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos were struck by typhoon Ketsana. A week later typhoon Parma killed another 15 people in the Philippines. Samoa was hit with an earthquake measuring 8.0, which produced severe waves and displaced thousands. India was devastated by flashfloods killing hundreds.
With project partners in almost 70 countries, Oikocredit has endeavored to find updates on projects from our staff in the field.
Samoa: For Oikocredit’s project partner in Samoa, SPBD, less than two per cent of clients were affected by the tsunami and the vast majority of those members will receive financial help to re-launch their businesses and rebuild their homes. While the situation is tragic for thousands of Samoan families, SPBD has not been adversely affected and expects the next two to three months to be a high growth period. The team has worked to set up the Samoa Tsunami Aid Appeal to help the 12,000 poor families, spread across almost every village in Samoa, who are their clients. To donate to the appeal, visit http://www.microdreams.org/
Philippines: Oikocredit’s office in Manila, the Philippines, was temporarily closed after typhoon Ketsana devastated the region late last month. It is estimated 246 people lost their lives after the flash floods saw more than 34 centimeters of rain fall in just six hours, covering North, Central and Southern Luzon. Schools, hospitals, homes and businesses were submerged in the torrents, including 80 per cent of the metropolitan area.
Oikocredit project partner, ASA Philippines reported that about 6000 of their members from the regions of San Mateo, Cainta, Rodriguez and Novaliches were affected by the typhoon. ASA distributed food to their members following the disaster with funds from the foundation, while clothing donations came from personal contacts. ASA is continuing to survey the damage.
Paragon, another Oikocredit project partner, reported many clients in Fortune Village, Marikina were affected. The organization is working hard to collect clothes and food to distribute as aid in the area.
“It was quite unbelievable – even for us who are not new to flash floods,” Oikocredit SEA Regional Director Tes Pilapil said. “I managed to go around and in some parts of the city it looked like a war zone. Cars were lying upside down – some stacked up on top of each other – and home appliances carried by the floods littered the road as the water subsided.”
Six of Oikocredit’s seven Filipino staff were unharmed but, together with their families, some were forced from their homes. The Philippines office was temporarily closed as employees faced the daunting task of repairing the damage. Oikocredit has continued to monitor and support project partners affeted by the devastation.
India: Southern India experienced the heaviest floods the country has on record. The BBC has reported almost 250 people were killed and millions left homeless. Damage is estimated at 40 billion US dollars. While Oikocredit’s Indian office reports several partners have been badly affected, specific information has not yet been received.
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