Six months after Typhoon Ketsana hit Metro Manila, over 5,000 families are still living in evacuation centres like this one.

More about World Vision in the Philippines
More about Typhoon Ketsana response

Since losing their house when Typhoon Ketsana submerged 80% of Metro Manila and nearby areas last September, Leslie, 11, and her family are among 5,000 families still living in evacuation centres and struggling to make ends meet.

“I never wish to see a flood again,” says Samneth, whose family lost their income to Typhoon Ketsana. However disaster preparedness measures by the community, local authorities and organisations like World Vision helped save lives.

More about Typhoon Ketsana response
More about World Vision in Cambodia

The lack of resources to protect themselves and reliance on their natural environment for a source of income, make Vietnam’s rural poor especially vulnerable to typhoons and other natural disasters that occur several times a year.

Perhaps without his even realising it, eight year old Sengthavy’s life was changed by Typhoon Ketsana. He had thought his small community – where his whole world revolves around – was the safest place to be.