When nature strikes, it doesn’t hold back. For elders living alone, the experience can be even more overwhelming, leaving them feeling more isolated and hopeless.

“My goodness, I was terrified because I was alone…”

Even though weeks have passed since Super Typhoon Julian hit, life in Batanes is still really tough. Many families remain without power and essential supplies.

Operation Blessing is doing its best to help out, providing vital aid to hundreds of families in barangays like San Joaquin and San Antonio. This includes handing out solar lights, mats, and blankets to make things a bit easier during these hard times.

Josefina Valiente, a 74-year-old widow who lives on her own and faced the storm all by herself, shared, “The rain was so strong that there was zero visibility. I was restless; it wouldn’t stop. I just said, ‘Take care of me, Lord.’”

When the Operation Blessing team visited her, they not only brought supplies but also prayed for her healing because she suffers from knee pain.

“I’m really thankful for the help,” Josefina said with a smile. “The solar lights will help me move around at night without tripping, and the blanket will keep me warm when it gets colder.”

Disasters like typhoons or earthquakes don’t just threaten physical safety—they strip away the emotional support that is crucial for recovery. Many widows face nights of terror, wondering how they will rebuild their lives and find the strength to carry on. Thanks to your ongoing support, people like Josefina are feeling less alone during these challenging times.

Together, we can help bring a little more light and hope to Batanes as they continue to recover from the storm’s aftermath. Give at www.operationblessing.ph. For more details, contact 0939-921-5543 or 0918-906-7753.

DSWD-SB-SP-00029-2024. Valid until December 14, 2024.