John’s plea to help victims of typhoon

Reporter: ALEX CAREY
Date published: 16 December 2014


EXPAT John Flanagan, who has lived in the Philippines for four years, is appealing to his hometown for aid as the country recovers from the devastation of another typhoon.

Torrential rain and 105mph gales battered the central Philippines early last week. Although Typhoon Hagupit was not as powerful as Typhoon Haiyan which tore through the central Philippines in November, last year, leaving more than 7,000 dead or missing — the country is still counting the cost of the damage.

Last week’s storm caused major damage in several towns in the east of the Philippines — killing more than 20. In one town, 80 per cent of homes were destroyed.

Oldhamer Mr Flanagan, who works in the Philippines to ease the suffering caused by poverty and natural disasters, is now appealing to people back home to give anything they can to help.

He said: “If any companies wish to offer aid — goods, toiletries, clothing, toys, books, tinned and packet food, I would be only too happy to ensure that any donations are received by the people they are intended for — there is no middleman and no expenses are involved. My effort is completely voluntary.

“Over one million people had to be evacuated — one of, if not the largest numbers in peacetime and certainly in Philippine history.”

Anyone who can help can do so by emailing Mr Flanagan on dramazone@hotmail.com

Mr Flanagan added: “I realise times are hard but this country is in real need of help and not just because of the natural disasters it suffers.”