Typhoon recovery

GCI Philippines national director Eugene Guzon recently visited the areas of the Philippines devastated by super typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). Here is his update.

Estimated casualties are now about 6000, although the relief agencies believe that there are more. In Tacloban City and other coastal towns in Leyte and Samar, I have seen that the damage is indescribably terrible—massive and long-term reparation work is needed, including rebuilding of businesses and homes for the residents. A significant amount of the relief work by international agencies has concluded. Much now remains for the Filipino government workers.

Tacloban, the center of the disaster area, is serving as an “exodus city” from which many people are still evacuating the area. Power lines are still down, although the government is trying to speed up restoration of power. There remains a tremendous amount of debris, crumpled structures, long lines for fuel and small makeshift homes and stores. As we personally hear survival stories directly from people and see their scars, we see the tenacious and hopeful spirit in their hearts. One sign I saw says it well: “Roofless, helpless, but not hopeless!”

We thank God that our members survived the devastation. Some remain in their home communities and others have relocated. During the worship service held last weekend in Cebu City, our pastors who have been directly affected by the typhoon shared stories of God’s deliverance.

We praise God for our GCI family worldwide, who in the aftermath of the storm rallied to let our affected members and their families know that they are loved and cared for. Financial assistance from GCI members has been a huge blessing. Aid came from our members in the Philippines, the US (via the GCI Disaster Relief Fund), the UK, Europe, Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. The outpouring of compassion and financial support has given our affected members the means to begin the long road to recovery.