Nearly 700 people were swept to their deaths in the
southern Philippines in one of the
worst calamities in the region in decades, when flash floods triggered by Tropical
Storm Washi inundated Mindanao Island. As news of the disaster unfolded, AmeriCares partners began distribution
of pre-positioned emergency medicines and supplies to help injured and
displaced survivors.
Our emergency response team is in contact with
long-standing partners in the country to assess needs and determine what
additional aid is needed.
Help AmeriCares save lives in the Philippines and around the world »
After 12 hours of pounding rain, flood waters and mud slides roared through the
mountainous island in early morning hours of December 18, striking most people
as they slept. Initial reports estimate about 7,000 homes were damaged
or destroyed and 143,000 people were affected in
13 provinces, including 45,000 who fled to evacuation centers.
Overcrowded evacuation centers present an imminent
health threat to survivors, compounded by limited access to clean water and
sanitation, which elevates the risk of communicable diseases including cholera,
typhoid, and respiratory infections. Water
sources have been compromised for an estimated 70,000 survivors.
The port cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro were especially hard-hit by the
flood’s devastation. In the delta area near Iligan, the fishing community of
Bayug has been swept clear of almost all its structures. In this town of 1,000,
only 43 are known to have survived.
The Philippine national disaster council is
leading the response with airlifts of mats, blankets and clothes to help
families in need. Philippine military troops deployed in the region are being
diverted to conduct search and rescue efforts along with initial relief
operations.
Since 1985, AmeriCares has delivered nearly $200 million
in medicines, medical supplies and humanitarian aid to the Philippines to
support more than 70 institutions, medical and disaster relief teams helping
people in need.
