Survivors of massive flooding in the Philippines to receive cash lifeline from Islamic Relief

Islamic Relief is a lifeline for families in the Philippines, where massive flooding has affected over 1.1 million people.

Last week, heavy, incessant rain last week triggered flash floods and landslides in 5 central and southern regions – including Eastern Samar and Northern Samar, where provincial governments have declared a state of calamity.

The disaster is thought to have affected more than 1.13 million people.

At least 5 people are reported to have died, and tens of thousands have fled their homes, sheltering with friends and family or in overcrowded evacuation centres. Many schools closed their doors, and roads and bridges were impassable.

Supporting relief efforts in Northern Samar

Islamic Relief aid workers are in Northern Samar, where the deluge has destroyed crops and damaged wells, leaving communities desperately short of food and drinking water. The team are working with a local partner, the Western Samar Development Foundation (WESADEF), which we have been supporting through Islamic Relief’s flagship programme to build the capacity of local organisations.

Our initial focus is on providing small cash grants to help up to 3,000 families to meet their most urgent needs.