The Philippines archipelago is one of the most vulnerable regions on the planet when it comes to natural disasters. Earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, typhoons and torrential rains regularly cause major losses and considerable damage. The consequences of climate change are particularly dangerous for people with disabilities, who find it difficult to move around and evacuate if necessary. Nanay, 70, describes how her new equipment has changed her life.
Living in fear...
For years, Nanay couldn't get around on her own. The elderly woman suffered from chronic pain and was very afraid of falling and injuring herself. Most of the time, she spent her days sitting or lying down, without moving. She confides that even going to the toilet was an ordeal that required a lot of energy.
Nanay lives in a region that is particularly exposed to tropical storms and typhoons. Every time a typhoon hits the Philippines archipelago, as was the case recently with typhoon Wipha, her anxiety grows.
"I couldn't sleep. I was afraid the water would flood our house and I'd drown, because I can't run away," she recalls, still distraught.
Although she eventually found refuge with her sister, whose house is located on higher ground sheltered from the floods, Nanay continued to dream of regaining a little independence so that she would no longer be a burden on her family, or carrying out simple daily tasks, such as preparing meals for her family or going out to enjoy her friends.
A new smile thanks to HI
Nanay is one of 250 elderly or disabled people in the province of Cagayan who have received mobility aids (canes, walkers, crutches, etc.) as part of the emergency response carried out by HI, with the support of the Disaster Risk Financing - Kristine Emergency Response project. The activities implemented were aimed at supporting 5,000 households and nearly 16,000 people severely affected by Typhoon Trami at the end of October 2024. This violent tropical storm caused considerable damage in the Philippines.
These mobility aid has enabled hundreds of vulnerable people to regain hope, mobility and dignity despite the difficulties of everyday life. The day she received her cane, Nanay burst into tears. Tears of joy:
"I'm so happy! I can walk on my own. I'm no longer a burden on my family. I'll finally be able to go and visit my friends.
Thanks to simple but essential help, Nanay Benita's daily life has changed. A great reward for the HI teams who, year after year, respond to emergencies in the Philippines.
