The poor 'at risk' in the Philippines storm season
03/06/2010
The upcoming storm season in the Philippines could put many lives in danger, it has been claimed.
A number of residents in poorer areas of the country have returned to properties destroyed by typhoons eight months ago and agencies are concerned the shanties will not hold out during adverse weather in the future, Irin News reports.
Individuals are heading back to their damaged homes around Manila because they have no choice, Teodosio Gacer, a community officer at North Triangle, explained.
The aid worker commented: "Where do you expect the poor to go? We have no alternative but to rebuild and pray that the storms and floods will not be as bad this year."
Urban planners noted the country is hit by an average of more than 20 storms between June and January.
The recent general election in the Philippines was marred by violence as voters clashed at polling stations, causing a number of individuals to go on the run.
Written by Simon Bassett
