{UAH} First a war, then a storm: Marawi evacuees' tents ravaged by Vinta
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6:16 AM |
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Mayimuna/Afuwa/ Ahmed kategaga/ Edward Mo irundrua,
If you recall, I updated you about the 6 month battle the Philippines government fought against Islamic jihadists who had occupied the City of Marawi, the ancient capital of Muslim Mindanao in southern Philippines. President Rodrigo Duterte used brutal, scorched earth tactics to dislodge the terrorists and recapture the city. But most of the city was bombed down and laid to ruin, while nearly 300,000 inhabitants were forced to flee to the neighbouring christian cities, including my own city Iligan, just 30 miles away from Marawi City.
Most of these internal refugees are kept in tents erected by the government and international aid agencies. I myself have helped raise at least $500,000 here in the UK to help these refugees, through my efforts with the Churches Disasters's Emergency Committee.
As for the Marawi refugees, nearly 90% of whom are muslims, they are now hit by a double whammy.: Bombed out of their homes by Duterte and Islamic terrorists, and now flashed out of their tents by typhoon Vinta. What a fate can befall a people!!!
The Philippines government is trying to help the refugees, but this is not enough. I myself have today offered them my own house in Iligan city, to which they have moved in 10 families with 35 children. I am not in Mindanao this christmas anyway, so I dont mind the house being used to respond to a humanitarian disaster. I have allowed it to be used for this purpose before as typhoons and hurricanes are a frequent occurrence in this part of the world.
I always try to do the best I can when I see fellow human beings suffering. Although I am known as an Islamophobe and muslim hater, I will never hesitate to help any muslim who is in need. I will hold his hands if he is drowning, and try to pull him into safety, even if it means risking my own life. I will wipe away his tears and offer any little comfort I can. Thats the way I am. Just because I am opposed to Islam does not mean I hate muslims. But it is action, not words that speak louder. We will ultimately be judged on what we have done, not what we have said or promised.
Bobby.
PS: I have stopped posting the efforts I make to help people in need to this forum because this forum is not interested in such matters and I have found it is a total waste of time to make any humanitarian appeal on it. Ugandans on this forum are only good at sending "RIPS" and nothing more. The only appeals that work among Ugandans are those that are chanelled through tribal or ethnic associations- like the Lango Association, Ba-Nya-Kigezi Association, Luo Women's Group, Busoga Assocation, Buganda Youth Group, to mention just a few that In have dealt with directly. So I will not be making any appeal here to help the Muslim refugees of Typhoon Vinta.
Thank You
First a war, then a storm: Marawi evacuees' tents ravaged by Vinta
DISASTER AFTER DISASTER. Marawi evacuees deal with the destruction of a storm after facing a 5-month war in their hometown. File photo by Bobby Lagsa/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – After suffering from a 5-month war in their hometown, Marawi evacuees, during the Christmas season no less, were forced to move out of their temporary shelters by Typhoon Vinta's (Tembin's) destructive rain and winds.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Emmanuel Leyco said that the tents of refugees in Lanao del Norte were damaged during the storm's onslaught.
"We have advised them to move out temporarily and stay in school buildings for safety. We are coordinating with the disaster and relief units of local government units on these efforts," he said on Sunday, December 24, during a press conference.
In Baloi town, 99 Marawi internally-displaced persons staying at the Balono Evacuation Center were temporarily transferred to Baloi Central School after their tents were damaged by strong winds.
In Momongan Learning Center, 35 Marawi evacuees had to be transferred to Pacalundo Elementary School.
Fifteen families who stayed in tents at the Abdulhamid Evacuation Center were transferred to the Abdulhamid Madrasah for safety.
To provide relief for the families from Marawi, the DSWD distributed 1,100 mats and malong to those staying in Baloi and Pantao Ragat. In Baloi, food packs were distributed to 816 families.
Some 20 laminated sacks were also provided to their evacuation centers during the storm.
The entire Lanao del Sur, including Marawi City itself, was placed under a state of calamity due to Vinta last Friday, December 22.
Leyco said the DSWD is working round the clock to address needs of the 60,000 persons now in evacuation centers in 5 regions. – Rappler.com
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