ACT Alert

Philippines - 1/2004

Philippines lashed by Typhoons

Geneva, 2 December 2004

Four typhoons over a span of three weeks have wreaked havoc in at least five regions in the Philippines. Typhoons Muifa and Merbok battered Regions IV (Southern Tagalog), Region V (Bicol) and Region VI (Western Visayas). Tropical depression Winnie battered Region IV (Southern Tagalog), Super Typhoon Nanmadoe is currently venting its fury on Luzon Island (Region III) and part of Region VIII (Eastern Visayas).

The fury of these typhoons has caused massive and widespread flooding, flash floods and landslides. As of 2 December the number of dead or missing has reached 600. Thousands of people have been rendered homeless and there is extensive damage to property, infrastructure and agriculture. Communication and power lines have been broken, major roads eroded or blocked by mud and debris leaving the affected areas isolated.

ACT member National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), along with member churches and regional councils in the affected regions, have started carrying out needs assessments. The heavy toll necessitates immediate emergency response and the NCCP plans to conduct emergency relief deliveries to at least 6,500 families in Region III (Central Luzon), Region IV (Southern Tagalog), Region V (Bicol) and the National Capital Region (NCR). This aid will comprise food, potable water, sleeping mats, plastic sheets and light blankets. Medical missions will also be conducted. The estimated cost of the project is Peso 2.6125 million or US$47,500.

The assistance will be distributed in coordination with the NCCP member churches, regional ecumenical councils, partner non-government organizations and peoples’ organizations in the affected areas. Initially, the NCCP has already distributed some 400 bags to families in Quezon Province and Camarines Sur Province.

The ACT Co-ordinating Office is expecting a request for Rapid Response Funding.

Any funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jessie Kgoroeadira, ACT Finance Officer (jkg@act-intl.org). Thank you.