Philippines Emergency Response - Typhoon Durian
Typhoon Durian (known as Reming in the Philippines) was the 4th major typhoon to hit the Philippines. The typhoon has left a path of destruction across central Philippines, especially in the areas of Catanduanes, Camarines, Sorsogon, Albay, Mindoro, Marinduque, Batangas and Laguna (southeast of the capital city Manila). Typhoon Durian made landfall with gusts of up to 165 mph, at Mount Mayon, 210 miles southeast of Manila on Luzon island. The typhoon weakened as it moved northward, with sustained winds of 94 mph and gusts of up to 116 mph as it headed toward the South China Sea.
Typhoon Durian caused flash floods and sent walls of muddy volcanic ash and boulders crashing down on several villages. Reports indicate that 425 people have died and another 599 still missing, most of these in the Mount Mayon area.
It is estimated that over 1 million people have been affected by Typhoon Durian and the previous typhoons. This number includes those people who either lost/damaged their house, livelihoods severely affected or lost family members. Early estimates indicate that 108,945 houses have partially been damaged and 39,995 houses have been destroyed.
The most affected area is Albay where most of the fatalities happened. It is reported by the government that in 4 municipalities in Albay 90% of houses, schools, agriculture have been damaged. In the past 6 months Albay has been affected by 3 super-typhoons, 2 additional typhoons and a volcanic silent eruption. There are now 29,778 people living in evacuation centres.
Other areas badly affected include Camarines Sur (Bicol region) which has the highest number of people affected with 434,000. Another area that Oxfam is concerned about is Catanduanes, which is an island off the cost where the typhoon made its landfall and is at this time cut off from outside assistance.
The Philippines government is now accepting international assistance.
Oxfam is responding to the devastation caused by Typhoon Durian that hit 19 provinces in central Philippines.
An Oxfam field team has made its way to Albay and have completed their assessment with the government and other stakeholders. The Oxfam team surveyed the needs of the people including water supply sources, and shelter losses/damages. Early assessments from our teams indicate that providing clean water and supporting temporary shelter will be two of the main priorities.
Currently Oxfam is facilitating water filtration units for deployment to Albay. Preparations are also underway to provide bottled water and other non-food items to people in evacuation centres in Albay. Oxfam will assist with water and sanitation relief along with materials such as plastic sheeting to improve the living conditions in the evacuation centers and homes damaged by the floods and landslides.
On the medium term Oxfam may also be providing cash grants and materials so that people can rebuild their livelihoods.
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