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Albay, Philippines, April 25, 2007 — After a typhoon buried part of Daraga, a town in the province of Albay, TPRF responded with disaster relief for the residents, providing victims with much-needed food aid.
When Typhoon Remind/Duran, the name given to the devastating storm, struck Albay, strong and sustained winds in excess of 140mph lasted for three hours. Heavy rains continued after the winds, washing down sediment and boulders deposited from previous eruptions on the Mount Mayon slopes, burying part of Daraga. At least 4,679 families and 27,844 people were left homeless, according to official reports.
The place is now called a black desert, referring to the color of the volcanic debris. Infrastructure, agricultural and commercial properties, and other sources of livelihood were devastated.
Belen B. Francisco, a Filipino woman who runs a small charitable foundation in Daraga, had heard about TPRF’s humanitarian mission and contacted TPRF for help. “Your organization has assisted people in various areas around the globe, and we hope you can extend the same help to us,” she wrote in an emergency message to the Foundation.
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TPRF responded to this urgent call by donating funds for providing food and potable water, offering these people needed assistance in the middle of their difficult situation.
Thanking TPRF for its quick response, Mrs. Francisco wrote, “We thank TPRF deeply on behalf of those who were in need and have received these blessings.” Though the situation is still difficult, the help has had a soothing effect on the survivors.
Daraga is a small Philippine town located near the Albay Gulf and bordering on Mount Mayon Volcano. Many of the “Daragueños,” as the natives are called, are countrymen, dedicated to agriculture, harvesting rice, coconuts, vegetables, and beautiful flowers throughout the year. Others are handicraft workers, artists who manufacture abaca and rattan products that fascinate island visitors.
The Prem Rawat Foundation was founded by Prem Rawat, known worldwide as Maharaji, whose aim is to improve the quality of life for people in need by providing food, water, medical care, and disaster relief.
Discover more about Prem Rawat, his message of hope and peace, and The Prem Rawat Foundation's humanitarian initiatives
