- 2 mins read time
- Published: 3rd November 2020
Super Typhoon Goni – Oxfam and partners mobilise rapid response in the Philippines
It’s a country hit by an average of 20 storms and typhoons a year. So, when Super Typhoon Goni – known locally as Rolly – slammed into the Philippines on Sunday, Oxfam and our partners were ready.
Our new disaster relief system, B-READY, identifies vulnerable people in communities likely to be affected. Once the exact path of the typhoon is confirmed, cash transfers to those people are triggered to enable them to prepare by securing their properties and ensuring they had enough provisions to get through the first few days.
We also have tools to carry out rapid assessments to determine what areas are most in need of food, hygiene kits and emergency shelters. Meanwhile, our partners are providing prepaid cards, that can also be topped up with cash, to the most vulnerable households in the capital city of Manila and displaced families in Marawi city.
At least two million people or 400,000 families have been affected by what was the strongest typhoon of 2020, resulting in thousands of homes being damaged or destroyed, and – according to the latest government figures – at least 10 deaths.
The intense storm also caused major damage to crops, with an estimated 20,000 farmers impacted.
Oxfam Philippines’ Humanitarian Lead, Rhoda Avila said:
We have experienced terrible wind speeds, lashing rains and devastating flooding. Buildings have been destroyed and whole villages are under water and mud flows.
We will be conducting assessments of affected areas with our partners as soon as we can get access, but conditions are very difficult. Roads are flooded and power is down in many areas making communications with some parts impossible.
We also have to work with the threat of COVID-19 transmission in mind to protect both our emergency response teams and the people they are helping.
Oxfam is on the ground, distributing vital aid to the thousands of families affected by the typhoon. We’ll be there as long as it takes to help communities rebuild – but we need your help to reach as many people as possible.
