Typhoon Rai Leaves Filipinos in Desperate Need of Basic Supplies
After the ring‑world’s strongest typhoon of 2024 slammed into the Philippines, residents are scrambling to get a bite to eat, a sip of water and a place to sleep. Roads are wrecked, electricity is down, and the only viable connection between cities is a handful of floating trucks and a determined coast guard.
Food Shortage—A Real Pain
- Mayor Fely Pedrablanca of Tubajon, Dinagat Island, fears “our food supply is running low. Maybe, in a few days, we will totally run out.”
- Only 9 of the 2,000‑plus homes remained standing in her town.
- Other evacuees in Southern Leyte are likewise out of basics.
Rescue Efforts—A Tight Race
- The Philippine Coast Guard deployed boats to help stranded folks.
- The Philippine Red Cross is ferrying stranded foreign tourists from Siargao.
- PRC Chairman Richard Gordon compared the situation to the 2013 “Haiyan” disaster, warning that “We’re fighting a tremendous disaster.”
Infrastructure Damage—The Bottom Line
- Southern Leyte’s evacuation centers were ripped apart.
- Estimated damages could reach 3 billion pesos (S$82 million).
- At least 375 people died, 56 are missing, and more than 500 are injured.
Government Response
- President Rodrigo Duterte ordered state agencies to restore power and communications.
- He promised 10 billion pesos ($200 million) for recovery.
- Help is already arriving from Japan, China, and the UN, targeting shelter, health, food, and protection.
Hope on the Horizon
While the headlines scream disaster, the outpouring of aid from international partners shows that help is on its way. Residents that are “ready to face the next challenge” are counting on swift aid to get back on stable ground.
