Six cyclones hit the Philippines in a span of just four weeks, including Vamco and Super Typhoon Goni, the world’s most powerful this year. Vamco, the 21st cyclone to hit the Philippines this year, also caused the worst flooding in years in parts of the capitol. More than 180,000 people had to evacuate, and The Red Cross has serious concerns for more than 240,000 people who lost their homes to Typhoon Goni, especially those who are living in makeshift shelters along the coast as this latest storms hit. The organization said in a statement, adding that the situation is particularly dire because local government emergency response funds have been depleted by the coronavirus pandemic.
What makes the Philippines so prone to typhoons? It’s location. The Philippines is located in a large Pacific Ocean region where many of the Earth’s volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur (the Ring of Fire). It’s also in a weather pathway near the equator known as the “Typhoon Belt.” This makes the Philippines one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world.
The Western Pacific Ocean region (where typhoons and tropical cyclones are formed) is located east of the Philippines. Since the trade winds travel from east to west, it has plenty of time and area to gather water evaporation on its way to the country. There are approximately 20 typhoons that hit the Philippines every year. Global warming (warmer seas) plays a part in the intensity of the storms the Philippines has been seeing in the past few years.
These non-stop storms are slamming the Philippines during a deadly pandemic, making this one of the most complicated disaster responses ever. Which means, The Kids are in desperate need of our help. Minoro has seen severe damage to at least four of their school buildings. Extensive cleanup will be necessary to restore the grounds back to normal. The Department of Education should provide some support for recovery efforts, but with funding already right and Minoro being a smaller school located more remotely, it’s hard to say just how much help they will receive.
With much of the county experiencing difficulties with communication due to power outages from damages to infrastructure, as well as limited transportation access to much needed resources, aiding Minoro will be challenging, but WILL be done. When possible, we have been communicating with Ms. Mary Jane Silva, a faculty member at Minoro who usually coordinates the donation support. She has stated that the families could use a food relief package, and the school is in need of supplies such as alcohol, thermal scanners, face masks (for adults and students), hand sanitizer, and other various first aid items. She has expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the concern, kindness, and support we are sending The Kids an their families.
As of right now we intend to supply 102 students of Minoro and their families with food relief packages for the month of November and December. We will also be gathering the items listed above and prepare a box or two to ship over. Food items such as sacks of rice, sardines, fruits and vegetables, and snack items will make up the food relief packages. More detailed information will be released as we move forward.
The Filipino people are RESILIENT. In times of calamities and catastrophes, Filipinos always manage to rise above the challenge. I have no doubt that Minoro and The Kids will come together and rebuild to be even stronger. I cannot say enough how proud I am to know every single person who has selflessly supported For the Kids. You are the ones who have given them hope, during a year where it seemed like things couldn’t possibly get any worse. With everything that has happened in 2020 and everyone dealing with their own personal battles, the fact that you take a little time out of your day to read my posts/blogs, reach out with kind words, support and donate is and always will be OVERWHELMING. Thanks for riding with me, BELIEVING in me, and wanting to make a DIFFERENCE in this world. I love ya’ll! Stay tuned! Xx
For the Kids 