Disaster preparations in place as Typhoon Nesat approaches the Philippines

The Philippines (September 26, 2011) — With forecasters predicting Typhoon Nesat could hit the Philippines as early as Tuesday morning (local time; 8 p.m. EST Monday), World Vision staff are preparing the communities for the worst. Emergency assessment teams are on call and ready to respond immediately, and pre-positioned emergency relief items are in place.

Typhoon Nesat comes on the second anniversary of Typhoon Ketsana, a storm that brought Manila's worst flooding in 40 years.

"Wind gusts and heavy rain are being felt already today as we expect for the typhoon's landfall by tomorrow," said Fe Olonan, World Vision's project manager in Isabela, Philippines. "Our assessment teams are already in place and the town already pre-positioned the goods and identified evacuation centers for people to go to. Classes here are also suspended for elementary and high school."

The Philippines gets hit by nearly 20 typhoons every year. As part of our preparation and planning, World Vision began rolling out disaster preparedness programs in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao to help children and their families in high-risk communities prepare and protect themselves from the storms.

To speak with our staff on the ground, journalists can contact Gjeff Lamigo in Manila (+639993782903) or, here in the U.S., Media Relations Director Laura Blank (+1.708.872.5265).

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World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. World Vision serves all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. Visit www.worldvision.org/press.