Build Rescue Boats in Flood Prone Communities

July has arrived and the residents of Banaba, just outside of Manila, are starting to step up their preparations for the approaching rainy season.

Banaba is flooded several times a year during the rainy season. So, all its residents know they need to make adequate preparations for when the rivers next burst their banks.

But some residents are even more aware than most. These are the brave men and women who crew the community’s flood rescue boats.

When the floods inevitably strike these crews will immediately spring into action to rescue neighbours who have been trapped by the rapidly rising water.

It can be a dangerous job crewing one of these boats, as the currents are incredibly strong. Boats also have to navigate narrow passageways, which can be blocked by debris. Floods can also strike anytime, day or night, and the darkness makes rescuing people more dangerous.

So, these boat crews are the community’s heros. They don’t get paid for their time and efforts. And they selflessly put themselves in harm’s way many times each year.

But because these boat crews are so brave it can sometimes be easy to forget they’re just everyday people too. They’re also scared of the water which submerges their community. And they also have wives, husbands, parents and children who worry about them when they’re on patrol.

For all these reasons we wanted to do something to help make their jobs safer and easier. So we recently provided several of Banaba’s boat crews with vital equipment including life jackets, flashlights and ropes.

These crews operate rescue boats in the Armpac, Banaba Extension and North Libis areas of the community. They were all delighted with the new equipment that was previously lacking.

While this equipment was relatively simple to provide it could literally save their lives. As a result the crews, and their families, will be able to breath a little easier when the floods soon arrive.

Thanks so much for making this simple yet impactful help possible!

We’d like to provide more boat crews with similar equipment, and so this July 15 we’re asking you please consider supporting these brave men and women once again. This is because on July 15 GlobalGiving will be matching donations to this project by an amazing 50%.

Matching will start at 9am Eastern Time (or 1pm in the UK) and donations up to $1,000 (or £600 in the UK) per donor will be matched while funds remain. So, please consider making a gift on July 15, and please also spread the word about this incredible opportunity.

As always, if you ever have any queries about how we’re using your donation, please don’t hesitate to email Andy@IDVolunteers.org. I would be delighted to hear from you.