The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is distributing emergency supplies to some of the families hardest hit by flash floods in eastern Mindanao, the southern island of the Philippines.

Philippines officials report that the December 16 tropical storm Washi – which caused flash flooding and landslides – has killed more than 800 people in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

ADRA is distributing emergency food kits to some 1,400 families in the affected areas. The distribution will last four days and will be carried out in close coordination with the City Social Welfare Office and Adventist Community Service volunteers.

Nearly 72,000 people have been affected by the tropical storm in the Northern Mindanao province of Lanao Del Norte, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported. In some areas, household items such as kitchen appliances and furniture have been swept away and businesses have shut down.

ADRA is working to broaden its response, which plans to provide flood victims with essential health services, in addition to increased access to clean water.

Visit adra.org for more information.