Build Rescue Boats in Flood Prone Communities

In our last project report we explained how we’re raising funds this Holiday season to help maintain a vital fleet of rescue boats in Banaba, just outside of Manila, after our charity closes. In this report, to illustrate once again just how important these boats are, we wanted to highlight the story of yet another Banaba resident who relies on these boats.

Felisa (pictured) is 72 years old and lives in the South Libis area of Banaba with her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren. As well as being elderly, Felisa is also asthmatic and all this means she can’t move quickly.

So, Felisa was in real danger when Tropical Storm Karding (known internationally as Yagi) struck in August 2018. Heavy rains caused the Nangka river to overflow and Felisa’s home was overwhelmed by flood waters as a result.

Thankfully, the Grahame Maher rescue boat (also pictured) was nearby, and thanks to the boat and its brave volunteer crew Felisa was safely transported to a nearby evacuation centre.

Felisa had this to say about the help she received:

“God bless IDV and the donors. My needs are taken-cared of with your assistance. Salamat po!”

We echo Felisa’s thanks and hope you’ll consider making a further gift to this project if you can. In doing so, you’ll help ensure that residents like Felisa can benefit from a rescue boat when the next flood inevitably strikes.

You can find out more about our plans to close down IDV on our website, and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to email Andy@IDVolunteers.org. I’d be delighted to hear from you as always.