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Dear members, dear friends, and supporters of Mabuhay!
On September 30, the DOH conducted a visual inspection, which was funded by the Fund of German Dentists (HDZ). They were pleased and thought, "It's a nice laboratory ". We were very pleased at the compliment and have the official certificate, only too happy to put it in the reception when not on 8 November, Haiyan, or as the typhoon is here called, "Yolanda", would pounce on us. The delay in sending the certificate.
Actually, I wanted to write this letter about our two interns. Now, this is only to a limited extent, since on the third of October, Alex W. left unexpectedly, without saying a word. He was too young to perform missionary work here and wanted to be active in school settings rather than in health. Theresa R. was with us up to the 5th of November and helped where she could. They stocked our new patient records, helped in the clinic, gave swimming lessons, and supported our two guys with the garden work.
In addition to the clinic, she had insight into our various programs, such as the nutrition program and the dental clinic.
Our nutrition program runs year-round and is sponsored by the German Club in Manila. Unfortunately, malnutrition is still a big issue here, and many of the sick children that we see every day are in a significantly reduced nutritional status and therefore susceptible to disease. The children will be dewormed, get vitamins, and have a hot meal every day.
On November 8, as already mentioned, we were hit by Super Typhoon "Yolanda," also known internationally as Haiyan. It was the strongest typhoon worldwide in 2013. We flew at high wind speeds (over 250 kph), and we were almost knocked out, so you can surely imagine how it was for the people here in the bamboo huts. Fifty people were evacuated to us because they were worried their houses would fly off the roof or be destroyed. Sr. Veronica and I made several drives to inspect the damage and bring people to safety. Some roads were impassable due to fallen trees, and almost all power lines were down, with roof parts flying into the streets. The power went out. Fortunately, no injuries occurred here. People were in unimaginable fear. Their biggest concern was their animals left behind and their household belongings, since such situations are often exploited by thieves. After the strong winds, heavy rains came, flooding the farm and cottages. Many of our banana and papaya trees fell, and the fruits were lost. The rice fields and crops were destroyed. It was a "Monster Typhoon." We helped where we could—rebuilt huts, distributed rice, canned food, and other relief supplies like candles and much-needed medications. When the situation here was under control, our bishop asked us to extend help to other areas. We coordinated with the Social Action Office of the Diocese of Catarman and, with our volunteers, made three trips to severely affected areas, bringing supplies and food, led by Medical Missions. They served about seven hundred patients daily. Many had wounds from holding onto something to withstand the strong wind and water. In some areas near Tacloban, the typhoon was followed by a storm surge. The destruction we saw with our own eyes was different from what we see on TV—destruction everywhere, like a bomb had gone off, only without the crater. Dead bodies are often covered only lightly by the roadside. Everywhere, there were calls for help for food and medicine. The eyes of the affected were empty, hopeless, or cast downward. Many had truly lost everything. Nature now resembled a desert landscape. The coconut trees, symbols of the island, were destroyed, along with the livelihoods of many who depended on coconut crops. It will take a long time for the palms to recover from the storm.
Thank you all once again for thinking of us when the typhoon was reported worldwide in the news. We received calls from Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Argentina, Nepal, the U.S., and more. You all were with us. Even now, there is still no power. To send this letter, I had to drive into the city. Diesel, drinking water, and food are in short supply in many areas. It is truly a state of emergency in every respect. Our assistance for those affected is ongoing, and there is still much to do.
Evacuation Station
Pictures from Bugko
Our Volunteers are packing supplies and medicines
Distributing supplies to those affected by the typhoon
Now the latest news. While you are gaining, this letter brings great relief: supplies from Germany are on the way to us. It comes from Bavaria, the district of Kronach, Wallenfels, and Steinwiesen. With P. Robert Jauch, OFM, as an intermediary, to be sent from a Caritas nursing facility, utensils in a container to us. Bernhard M. and Uwe F., as key actors, packed the objects by hand in the container.
This is the first container transport sent directly to us. Correspondingly extensive was the correspondence with the customs authorities in Manila. Thank God, a friend came to our aid, so we had no representation in Manila. The tools we will use in the clinic and in the future planned maternity ward. Once the transport Bugko is achieved, I will write more about it.
Another year comes to an end, and the end was really more than turbulent and shocking in every way. I thank you all again very much, on behalf of all Bugkoano, because without the many helping hands and the financial support, it would not be possible to carry out such a program here and maintain it. Especially in times of crisis, we have noticed how much you are connected, how we can count on you. It was a wonderful experience, all the misery, the help, and the solidarity.
And so I am with best wishes for a happy new year and a merry Christmas, your
Sabine Korth
Malipayon nga Pasko (Merry Christmas) from Bugko!
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