Wednesday, August 8, 2012 - Heavy rain fueled by a tropical storm is causing extensive flooding across the Philippines. The HOPE worldwide team is safe but deeply affected by the floods. As of 7 a.m. today, the water level at the Laguna Center of HOPE worldwide reached 4 - 5 feet. Yesterday afternoon the children were evacuated to the second floor of the administration building. We are looking for a location to relocate them should the water level keep rising. We are also seeking temporary housing for the HOPE worldwide staff and their families affected by flooding.

Next Steps

It is so hard to leave our homes because the water level here is even deeper than at the Center of HOPE worldwide. Last night, we gathered to pray and plan out our next steps. Today's focus is to relocate children and the families of our staff while our Advocacy and Disaster Response team makes a rapid risk assessment. Other activities will include providing hot soup to HOPE worldwide beneficiaries impacted by the flooding. There are approximately 300 children and their families who are currently living in the evacuation centers in Laguna. The Disaster Response Team will continue to focus on this area since thousands of poor families in Laguna are being severely impacted.

We appreciate your prayers, concern and support. For further questions or inquires, please contact:

MOISES 'JUN' G. VELASCO , Executive Director, HOPE worldwide Philippines
Coastal Road, Brgy. Dela paz, Binan, Laguna , Philippines 4024
Telefax: 63.49.511.3377, Telephone: 63.2.408.8286
Mobile: 0917.510.7875 , Email: jun_velasco@hopeww.org / velascojun@yahoo.com

or Charles Ham, Global Disaster Response Coordinator
HOPE worldwide, 1285 Drummers Lane, Suite 105 , Wayne, PA 19087
email: Charles.Ham@hopeww.org website: www.hopeww.org