Philippine Relief Continues, but Progress is Slow

Ryan Duncan | Updated: Nov 14, 2013

Philippine Relief Continues, but Progress is Slow

Though world aid operations are underway in the storm-ravaged areas of the Philippines, relief is still slow in coming. Bad weather and damage to roadways have hindered the distribution of supplies, and many Filipinos are still badly in need of food, water, and basic shelter. Aid agencies have also been put on alert as security in the region continues to worsen. A recent article from BBC news gives some insight into the decaying situation,             

“Eight people died on Tuesday as survivors mobbed a government rice warehouse in Alangalang, Leyte, officials said.

‘One wall of our warehouses collapsed and eight people were crushed and killed instantly,’ Rex Estoperez, spokesman for the National Food Authority, said.

The police and soldiers were unable to stop the looters, who took more than 100,000 sacks of rice, Mr Estoperez added. John Cordell, from disaster relief charity ShelterBox, told the BBC: "I think [the reports of attacks on food convoys] are deterring a lot of aid agencies from getting in there.’”

Despite these setbacks, international agencies continue to urge people around the world to take an active role in the Philippine relief effort. CBN Disaster Relief is currently working to clear the roads of damage and distribute supplies. In the meantime, the death toll stands at 2,400 and continues to rise.  

For more information on how you can contribute to the relief effort, please visit Samaritan’s Purse.

*This Article First Published 11/14/2013

Philippine Relief Continues, but Progress is Slow