Tropical Storm Washi, known locally as Sendong, swept across the Mindanao region from 16 to 18 Dec 2011, bringing strong winds and heavy rains that caused massive flooding, flash floods and landslides.

As of 16 Jan, more than 1,250 people had been killed, over 6,000 had been injured and almost 432,000 were served inside and outside 56 evacuation centers (NDRRMC, 16 Jan 2012).

Two months on, around 4,800 families (approximately 21,400 persons) remained sheltered in 22 evacuation centres that were still operational – 11 in Cagayan de Oro and 11 in Iligan – while some 46,100 others (approximately 262,800 persons) had opted to stay with host families. Meanwhile, in the second week of February 2012, a low-pressure area brought moderate to heavy rains over parts of Mindanao and Visayas islands; in some cases, triggering flooding and landslides. Although no flooding was reported in Cagayan de Oro or Iligan, sustained rains worsened the condition of families in temporary shelters. (IFRC, 6 Mar 2012)

Six months on, the humanitarian assistance delivered has contributed to improving conditions of affected populations. Nevertheless, thousands of people remain displaced, with hundreds of families sheltered in some evacuation centres that are still operational in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities, and many more living with host families or in makeshift shelters. (IFRC, 17 Jul 2012)

Useful Links

• National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council
• Humanitarian Response in the Philippines