Taal Volcano Eruption Relief

On 12 January 2020, the Taal Volcano, located 60 kilometres south of the capital Manila on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, erupted, spewing ash up to 14 kilometres into the air. This eruption displaced over 20,000 people from their homes and villages.

Maheshwari Foundation pledged $1,000 to an initiative by a Philippines national in Dubai that resulted in a fundraiser of over $5,500. From the fundraising, items were bought and distributed to 5 Barangays (villages) in the area of Lipa Batangas to help over 2,000 individuals across 500 families.

Items distributed: 1,010 toiletry-bag sets (toothbrush, toothpaste, face towels, mosquito repellent, baby wipes); 300 sleeping mats; 10 boxes of diapers; 1,000 bottles of water; 260 pieces of sanitary napkins; 160 baby diapers; 4 gallons of shampoo; 5 litres of hand soap; and approximately 40 bags of face towels, toothpaste and lotion.

All items were packed in eco-friendly bags so that evacuees can re-use them for their personal use. Furthermore, 300 pieces of food packs consisting of rice, sardines and noodles were distributed to the evacuees relocated in Trece Martires City, 45 kilometres from Taal Volcano.