GLOBAL RECONCILIATION PROJECTS
in partnership with Kalumonan Development Centre and House of Joy Orphanage,
San Isidro, Davao Oriental, Philippines
" Promoting a positive Northern Ireland through international volunteering"
Leyte landslide
February 17th 2006 will remain in the memories of the people of St. Bernard, Southern Leyte for generations to come. At approximately 2 p.m. local time, after weeks of heavy rain, a small 2.6 Richter scale earthquake unleashed a mountain of mud which carried down the hillside wiping out everything in its path. Though, even now months later figures of the death toll are still in debate it is known that over 1000 people lost their lives. This included 240 children and their teachers at the local primary school, which was covered in 15 meters of mud.
The evacuation in the surrounding areas and islands had been taking place since the 12th of February, with many families moving to neighbouring villages for safety. However, due to the larger disaster of St. Bernard town, few of the evacuees were receiving basic needs they required. After consultation with locals in the affected area, GRP decided to support.
On the evening of the 17th February, GRP began a small fundraising campaign and by the following Tuesday the 21st we were able to have our staff at nearby town of Liloan to support the refugees there until larger International Aid was able to arrive. In total, GRP was able to give supplies for the 360 affected families under the care of the Municipal Mayor Dr. Marlo P Maamo. The supplies consisted of 1500 cans of foods, medicines, vitamins, soap and washing detergent. The supplies were greatly appreciated, (especially the soap) as conditions were extremely cramped with all the families sharing two taps and two latrines. This was the first aid that these people had received.Thankfully further international aid was received later in the week.
Letter of Thanks from the Municipal Mayor
Dear Mr. McGrand,
Thank you for the help extended by GRP to our Local Government Unit. We are indeed under a situation were external support is very necessary. The heavy rains in our area since the 12th of February resulted to landslides, river overflows and flooding.
Since the evacuation of the hardest hit area, two Barangays (villages) have been temporarily staying at the local elementary school and some are staying with their relatives, in total 614 families have been affected.
At present, we are supporting 360 families, which have had their homes totally or partially destroyed. Some of these people are from the Maman-wa tribe of indigenous peoples.
Thank you again for your help in sustaining these people and maintaining their good health. While we recognise the long term need for relocating the affected families and supporting their future economic activities, you have assisted with the immediate needs of foods, basic medicines and vitamins.
Sincerely yours,
MARLO P. MAAMO, M. D.
Liloan Municipal Mayor