Typhoon Hagiput rekindles tragic memories from 13 months ago

As typhoon Hagupit approaches with fierce howling winds, residents of Tacloban know too well the impact of a fierce storm. In Tacloban alone, there are 49 evacuation centres filled with more than 7,500 families – more than 30,700 people.  In the region of Haiyan-affected communities, more than 616,500 people have voluntarily evacuated to safer areas.

Pregnant women due in the next two weeks have been advised not to go to the evacuation centres, but some mothers refuse to leave their families at this critical time. Already there are reports of two women giving birth in evacuation centres in Tacloban alone.

Already there are reports of two women giving birth in evacuation centres in Tacloban alone.

World Vision has been preparing in advance, ensuring that emergency food, hygiene kits and general emergency items are ready for fast response – enough to provide for 11,000 of the most vulnerable families (or 55,000 people)  in the wake of the storm.

World Vision Response Director Andrew Rosauer said that people have been appropriately cautious, taking storm warnings seriously. “Typhoon Hagupit has rekindled tragic memories from last year,” Mr Rosauer said about the  people evacuated from the most dangerous areas in Tacloban.  “Storm warnings were communicated well in advance, and people began packing their necessities and swiftly moving their loved ones off to relatives’ houses, churches or the designated evacuation centres.” he says.

Although the typhoon hasn’t made landfall yet, violent winds are thrashing Tacloban, sending roofs flying and causing power outages. People are terrified about what is yet to come.

Violent winds are thrashing Tacloban, sending roofs flying and causing power outages. People are terrified about what is yet to come.

In true Filipino spirit, people were still smiling at each other as they passed each other on the street earlier– albeit a sad smile, they are determined to remain as positive as they can be in the anxious hours before the storm makes landfall.

For interviews with Andrew Rosauer, please contact:

Rhonda Hirst – Media Specialist: +63 916 735 5061 or rhonda_hirst@wvi.org

Cecil Laguardia – Communications Manager: +63 +63 939 926 2669 or cecil_laguardia@wvi.org