Slum Community Devastated By Fire

Smoke still hangs over the devastated Puntod Community - these used to be houses

A few days ago we received an e-mail from a Pastor who is one of our Mission Partners in the Philippines. He told us about a devastating fire in a slum community in the Puntod district of Cagayan De Oro City where around 100 shanty houses had been completely destroyed.

In such communities houses are often built very close together using simple materials like wood, and even sometimes cardboard, under a corrugated metal roof. Consequently any fire spreads quickly from one building to the next.

salvaging metal roof sheets

This is the rainy season and with torrential downpours every day these people urgently need somewhere to shelter. Some have found temporary lodging with family nearby while others are struggling to survive under makeshift tents and tarpaulins.

We are only a small charity and our resources are insufficient to meet such a large need but we have been able to send enough money to buy materials to rebuild about 10 houses using metal sheets that have been salvaged from the fire for roofing.

We would like to be able to do more to help but we simply don't have enough money unless some more comes in. Just £30 will rebuild a house - would you like to make a donation? If so please click on the Paypal button on this site.

A Puntod resident looks on in shock

Tarpaulin shelter