Minutes ago we received a report from people we sent ahead to assess the damages in the village of Bugabuga. The village consists of about 150 families and is in a fairly remote place in the hills. The village was completely leveled with the exception of one house that had its roof blown off.
The people just received a small amount of government food – but very little. The report said, “They were very happy when they realized we were not only giving aid to the believers in the village but to all. They said that we gave more than the government did! They have been forced to regularly go out to the main road and beg passerbys for food. Our people said that though the need is great now, it will get greater still in about a month. Right now they are getting some food from vegetation not totally destroyed.”
Lorrie and I are planning to go to the village and oversee a larger distribution of food and materials as soon as it can be arranged. We are in the process of trying to buy materials in another city and finding trucks to transport the supplies.
I just talked to a man that has helped with the Indonesia typhoon and other disasters. He said this is worse. He said it covered a 200 mile path flattening everything. He said there certainly will be more deaths than what is now being reported.
We praise God that we heard from our pastor in Agataya. He said that they are now doing well. It is a small village of about 50 people. He said everyone helped one another and they were very blessed with the aid we already sent with him.
We are thankful for the generous outpouring from so many people to help the Philippines!
Nels and Lorrie