Feature story - December 10, 2012
The Greenpeace ship M/Y Esperanza is leaving the port of Manila today to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Mindanao following the massive typhoon Pablo.
11 December 2012
File photo: Destruction Caused by Super Typhoon Reming, Philippines 2006
A woman inspects the remains of her house in Albay, Philippines, 340 kilometres southeast of Manila. Greenpeace documents extensive devastation wrought by super typhoon Reming (international codename: Durian) in parts of the Philippines. The latest extreme weather disturbance to hit the country is a portent of more violent weather events that countries around the world are likely to experience as a consequence of climate change.
12/03/2006
© Greenpeace / Ivan Sarenas
“Our condolences remain with the victims of typhoon Pablo. This is a very difficult time for the thousands of affected families and communities,” said Von Hernandez, Greenpeace Southeast Asia Executive Director.
“We have cancelled the Esperanza’s planned expedition to survey the state of the Philippine seas in order to respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Mindanao. The Esperanza will leave Manila today to help ferry much needed supplies to communities devastated by typhoon Pablo, particularly in coastal areas that are currently difficult to access.”
“Our lead partner for this mission is the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), who is responsible for the relief provisions which will be carried by our ship, and who will be receiving the supplies at our destination in Mindanao. We are also carrying relief goods provided by ABS-CBN Foundation and Save the Children Foundation.”
“The frequency of extreme weather events such as typhoon Pablo has turned the Philippines into a disaster hotspot where weather related disasters are the norm rather than the exception."
"Every year our country continues to be in the top ten list of global climate risk indices. But while we are learning to cope more effectively in terms of disaster management and coordination, every year the stakes are also getting higher. This should be seen as a warning signal that we must work to enact climate change solutions for the sake of the future.”