In 2016, Typhoon Haima (known locally as Lawin) made landfall in Cagayan as a Category 5-equivalent storm. Just two years later, Typhoon Mangkhut (known locally as Ompong) also made landfall in the Philippines as a Category 5-equivalent storm, becoming the third-strongest typhoon worldwide in 2018. This project will support AHAH's long-term recovery program, while our teams are working to support communities in the aftermath of both devastating storms and rebuild their heavily damaged schools.
In addition to the damage caused by typhoon Haima, super typhoon Mangkhut had a diameter of 800km and sustained wind speeds of more than 205 km/h and gusts of 255 km/h. The typhoon was the strongest storm to hit the Philippines since 2013. Our assessment team identified schools within the Cagayan province which sustained destructive impacts from both typhoons and have yet to receive the help they desperately need.
We'll be working to rebuild several schools, the first of which accommodates over 170 students ages 6 - 12 years old. This will include rebuilding seven classrooms, the office, and the computer room, as well as refurbishing the four standing classrooms and toilet blocks. We have a highly experienced team of construction and engineering specialists who will ensure the school is built to the highest standards.
The work of our experienced staff and motivated volunteers will provide hundreds of local children with safe and disaster-resilient schools. Each completed school provides children with the learning space they need to prosper and grow in the short and long term. Since we take active steps to build back schools better and stronger than ever, all of this will mean improved quality of life and safe/secure learning spaces for generations to come!
