"We Need $1 Million To Respond To Typhoon Durian"

World Vision Philippines is appealing for US $1 million to enable an immediate aid response to the devastating loss of life and property caused by Typhoon Durian. The Christian humanitarian agency plans to provide some 20,000 affected people with food and survival items within the coming week.

"This has been a truly devastating typhoon with more than 200,000 families affected and 320 people killed. It is going to be a huge challenge getting desperately needed aid to the affected villages because of mudslides, washed-out roads and bridges," said Elnora Avarientos, National Director of World Vision Philippines.

World Vision is also preparing to establish Child-Friendly Spaces in affected communities to provide children with a safe place where they can play and reestablish a normal routine.

"We will ensure that the needs of the people, especially the children, are addressed. The people will need food, blankets, mattresses, medicines, tents and all the basics required to survive the destruction and damage of their homes. Whole villages are buried in mud and boulders. People are desperate. We will need US$1 million to respond to the typhoon," Avarientos added.

Typhoon Durian smashed through the Bicol Region of the Philippines early Thursday, hitting the provinces of Catanduanes, Albay, Camarines Sur and Marinduque particularly hard. Flooding, landslides and mudflow from the typhoon have killed hundreds and left thousands homeless.

Latest information based on figures released by the Philippines' Office of Civil Defense:

1. Around 320 people were killed, 416 injured and 301 missing. Most casualties were recorded in Albay.

2. Close to 30,000 homes were totally destroyed while 91,430 homes were partially damaged.

3. The typhoon has affected 201,927 families or 832,549 persons.

4. A total of 3,337 families or nearly 17,000 persons have sought temporary shelter in 100 evacuation sites.

5. Damage to property (infrastructure and agriculture) is estimated at PhP34.2 million.

6. Power and communication lines are still cut in the Bicol Region.

7. Many roads are still not passable due to flooding, fallen trees and electric posts, landslides and mudflow.

By World Vision