A Survivor's Story: Maribel dela Cruz
Maribel dela Cruz and three of her children, ages 9, 4 and 1 1/2, were left homeless after Typhoon Haiyan (Hurricane Yolanda) ripped through Agiting, Kananga, Leyte. Now, she simply uses a tarp tied up to a wall as their shelter. They are barely surviving and completely reliant upon government support for relief goods.
Since the typhoon hit, almost one month ago, she has only received a handful of goods including 2kls of rice, 2 cans of sardines and 2 bottles of water. Maribel struggles to find milk for her baby and is forced to give her rice to keep her alive.
She is trying to reach her other children in Manila but finds it difficult to get in touch with them due to communication problems.
Maribel dela Cruz, a survivor of Typhoon Haiyan.
There is very little to eat and no jobs to sustain them since the only source of livelihood is seasonal work in the sugarcane fields where she lives. However, most of the fields were also completely destroyed by the storm.
So they sit, just waiting, hoping for the next delivery of support from the government or NGOs.
Maribel pleads for homes to be rebuilt as their living quarters are terrible. Most of their neighborhood is just as destitute as they are.
There are countless others just like Maribel struggling to stay alive. Our teams are working directly with families in need and are committed to a long term relief effort. If you have any questions about our activity on the ground in the Philippines please contact us at info@projectak47.com