Disaster Response

The Philippines: In It For The Long Haul

December 19, 2013

http://youtu.be/qs72ryImFUU Water Missions International Engineer Pat Hauney recently returned after working on disaster response efforts in the Philippines. “The damage is the most extensive that I have seen in any disaster that I have responded to,” Pat recalled when he reflected on his time in the Philippines. “There is a tremendous need for safe water. The municipal water plants and distribution systems in the metropolitan areas were damaged and became contaminated. Many people in rural areas without access to municipal water have traditionally relied on small wells. The wells in the area impacted by the storm surge have been contaminated by salt water and overflow from flooded latrines.” Water Missions International continues to work to provide safe water access to those in need in the Philippines. To date, we have provided access to more than 100,000 people in some of the hardest hit areas. We understand that rebuilding takes time, and we plan on staying to help how we can. “I was amazed by the resilience of the Filipino people,” Pat told us. “Despite the horrendous conditions they were living in and the loss of friends or loved ones, the Filipinos were smiling and anxious to get busy rebuilding their lives. They were always gracious to aid workers and thankful for the aid they are receiving. I am confident that the Philippines, with the help of organizations like Water Missions International, will recover from this disaster and be stronger than ever before.” To learn more about Water Missions International disaster response efforts in the Philippines, tune in tomorrow morning (Friday, 9:30 AM EST) for a Google hangout with WMI engineer Chris and friends from People Water to discuss the need for safe water in the Philippines. You can hear all they have to say right here by clicking play tomorrow morning on the video below. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBJTAMD1VK0&feature=share

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