Typhoon Haiyan measured 300 miles across when it struck the Philippines on the 8th November 2013 and was one of the most intense tropical storms to ever make landfall anywhere in the world. It brought torrential rain, sustained winds of over 195mph and a storm surge of up to 30 feet that devastated coastal areas.

Millions of people were affected, including hundreds of thousands who were forced from homes which were destroyed. Countless numbers died. Those who survived needed urgent help including assistance with  emergency shelter, clean water and food.

A ground and needs  assessment was done through partnership with locals, foreign aid and social workers already present in Cebu. This was to establish what was needed and what help had already been  given so that the BCT team could get a clear picture of the situation and proceed with crucial  relief. Initially, the objective was to provide economic assistance to rebuild   the homes of devastated communities but after assessment it was decided that the aid should be split into three phases:

• Immediate food relief

• Provision of shelter

• Economic Development and Self Sustaining Projects

Assessment showed that little aid reached Cebu as a lot had been diverted to Tacloban. Food was in great shortage and so  basic food to feed families was sourced locally to benefit the  local economy. A total of 1090 food parcels were distributed helping approximately 3000 people. In addition, a ‘clean up and build scheme’ was started to encourage the community to clean up their surroundings of fallen coconut trees.

Then began the reconstruction of houses/shelters, priced at approximately £90 each. In total, 20 houses/shelters were built helping over 80 people.

Thank you to the following:

• Our dedicated donors and supporters  who  responded swiftly  and generously with their donations.

• Wipahs as part of the BCT team

• Ustad Najeeb Rasul of Cebu City and his family and group of volunteers for arranging and facilitating the entire trip

• Sister Ivy, her husband and the family for arranging the entire relief program and hosting us throughout the trip

• Members and neighbours (of all religions and denominations ) of the Aliyah Mosque for accommodating us and providing us with  facilities  to sort, pack and distribute the relief