IsraAID Launches Typhoon Response in the Philippines
Israeli humanitarian NGO responds to devastating Super Typhoon Rai/Odette
Tuesday 21 December 2021. For immediate release:
IsraAID, Israel’s leading non-governmental humanitarian aid organization, will deploy an Emergency Response Team in the Philippines following Super Typhoon Rai, known locally as Odette. The typhoon exited the country on December 18th, having made nine landfalls over two days and leaving more than 1.8 million people affected by severe flooding, landslides, and large-scale destruction. With many affected areas still without power and telecommunications, the full scale of the damage is as yet unknown. As many as 375 people are reported to have died, with hundreds more injured and rescue operations ongoing. More than 630,000 people have been displaced from their homes.
IsraAID’s team will travel immediately to the affected area, focusing on providing Psychological First Aid, distributing urgently needed relief items, and assessing the typhoon’s impact to determine what additional support is needed. In addition to the immediate effects of the storm, the ongoing emergency raises additional humanitarian risks, including the threat of the spread of COVID-19.
IsraAID will utilize former staff and partners from the organization’s past long-term projects in the country in its initial response, complemented by international expertise. IsraAID first launched its mission in the Philippines in the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, concluding its programming in 2019. IsraAID Philippines was based in Leyte, one of the islands affected by Rai/Odette.
IsraAID’s CEO, Yotam Polizer, said:
“IsraAID has a long history in the Philippines, with deep connections to many local partners, friends, team members, and communities. As the scale of the typhoon’s damage became clear, we felt compelled to act and bring urgent support. We are proud to be able to call on experienced humanitarian professionals based in-country to bring immediate relief where it’s needed most. This emergency response is an expression of our long-term commitment to the wellbeing of affected communities in the Philippines.”
IsraAID’s Emergency Fund ensures the organization can respond urgently to crises worldwide. Donations to support IsraAID’s global disaster relief efforts can be made here.
-ENDS-
Further information is available on request.
CONTACT:
Ethan Schwartz
Email: [email protected]
NOTES:
IsraAID is a leading international humanitarian non-governmental organization, based in Israel. Since 2001, IsraAID has become synonymous with a rapid response to humanitarian crises. Its medical teams, post-trauma experts, community specialists and other professionals have led international responses to disasters and civil strife around the world. During and after emergencies, IsraAID partners with local communities to re-build their lives, their communities and their futures, together. As of December 2021, IsraAID has responded to crises in more than 55 countries.
