Philippines: Floods and Landslides - Jan 2014

Overview

The Asia Pacific zone (APZ) of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) comprises the zone office in Kuala Lumpur, four regional offices in Suva (Pacific), Bangkok (Southeast Asia), Delhi (South Asia) and Beijing (East Asia) and 12 country offices, adopting a “best-positioned” strategy to support the national societies (NSs) in the zone according to their needs. Through this decentralized management structure, the Asia Pacific zone office directs the work of the regional and country offices.

Overview

In 2014, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) intensified its operations to support the recovery of people affected by previous disasters, specifically Typhoon Bopha which struck eastern Mindanao on December 2012; the 2013 typhoons and floods season which devastated parts of eastern Luzon; the Central Visayas earthquake on October 2013 which destroyed a large part of the province of Bohol; and most notably, Typhoon Haiyan which struck in November 2013 and killed more than 6,800 people and affected more than six million people across several provinces.

General Overview

Natural disaster reports were regularly recorded in the ASEAN Disaster Information Network (ADInet) www.adinet.ahacentre.org

Only significant disasters that satisfy the following criteria will be recorded in ADInet: 1. More than 100 people affected, and 2. Involving more than 1 subdistrict,

I. SITUATION OVERVIEW

The Low Pressure Area (LPA) east of Visayas has developed into a Tropical Depression and was named "Mario" on 17 September 2014 and exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on 22 September 2014.

Alangalang, Leyte -Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Deputy Secretary Ewen McDonald will lead the project launch of the Australian grant for the construction of early childhood and development centers, to be implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services-National Community-Driven Development Program (KALAHI CIDSS-NCDDP), tomorrow in this town.

Iraq: An estimated 500,000 Iraqis have fled Mosul following the city’s takeover by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. The IDPs are fleeing from the west to the east of the city, to other parts of Ninevah governorate, and to the Kurdistan region. Indiscriminate shelling is reportedly continuing. In Anbar governorate, armed violence has displaced close to half a million people so far this year.

CAR: The security situation in Bangui has reportedly deteriorated; 25 have been killed in renewed clashes. Violence has disrupted the April–May planting season, which will likely lead to below-average 2014–2015 harvests.

Syria: 241,000 people are estimated to be living under siege, 196,000 besieged by government forces, and 45,000 by opposition forces. Nearly 2,000 civilians are reported to have been killed in air strikes on Aleppo this year. Humanitarian access to both government and opposition controlled areas dropped significantly in May.

Balkans: On 13 May, cyclone Tamara hit the Balkans. Heavy rainfall resulted in extensive flooding in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia; 1.6 million, 1.5 million, and 38,000 people have been affected, respectively. In total, 81,879 people have been evacuated. Relief efforts are being hampered by landslides, damaged infrastructure, blocked roads, and blackouts.

South Sudan: A cholera outbreak was reported in Juba, with 43 suspected cases and two deaths recorded. Displacement figures have climbed to 1,005,000 IDPs and 310,000 refugees in neighbouring countries. Juba and the South Sudan Democratic Movement/Army – Cobra Faction signed a peace agreement over conflict in the Greater Pibor area.

Iraq: 6,000 people fled the Iraqi military’s shelling of Fallujah over 6–16 May. The Iraqi Government has denied using barrel bombs, but residents keep describing what appear to be such devices.

South Sudan: Peace negotiations in Addis Ababa have resulted in a ceasefire agreement between South Sudan’s president and the head of the opposition. The number of IDPs in South Sudan stands at 983,000. Following fighting in Upper Nile state, at least 11,000 new South Sudanese refugees have crossed into Ethiopia, bringing the total to 120,000. Altogether, 341,000 South Sudanese refugees are in neighbouring countries.

Syria: Fierce fighting between opposition groups has led to further displacement in Deir-ez-Zor while a truce between the Government and the opposition is expected to see the Old City of Homs handed over to the Government after its recent campaign to retake it.

Summary: This update summarizes the progress made since the allocation of Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) – and subsequently the launch of emergency appeal to support the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) in providing assistance to families affected by typhoons and floods on Luzon Island – until 15 March 2014.

SOLOMON ISLANDS

Twelve days after severe flooding devastated Honiara and greater Guadalcanal, around 9,000 people remain displaced in Honiara, and over 50,000 people are affected with 21 confirmed deaths. Government relief efforts continue with the support of partners. The Government is fast-tracking food and water relief from Monday, 14 Apr. Source: OCHA ROP

l. SITUATION OVERVIEW

At 4:00AM today, Tropical Depression "Domeng" has weakened into a Low Pressure Area (LPA) and was estimated at 350 km East of HInatuan, Surigao del Sur (9.2ºN, 129.7ºE).

The LPA is expected to persist within 24 to 48 hours.

After having researched, AMDA's medical team discovered that Lupon town, located 4-hour drive from Davao, was damaged severely.

They decided to help implement activities in Marayag region in Lupon town since most of the houses in the area were fully or partially damaged by massive landslides. Thankfully, Armed Force of the Philippines (AFP) came with the team for security reasons and supported them. As they went through mountain roads to reach Lupon town, they witnessed many landslides that were several hundred meters big.

l. SITUATION OVERVIEW

At 4:00PM today, Tropical Depression "Domeng" was estimated at 510 km east northeast of Davao City (8.1ºN, 130.6ºE) with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center. It is forecast to move northwest at 5kph.

l. SITUATION OVERVIEW

Tropical Depression ''Domeng'' has slowed down as it continues to move towards the general direction of CARAGA region

Syria: Violence continues in and around Damascus, with government shelling and retaliation attacks from opposition fighters. Armed confrontations are also reported in the northwest, near the Syria–Turkey border, including in Lattakia where heavy fighting has continued for two weeks. To date, over nine million people are in need of assistance, and more than 2.6 million have fled the country. In late March, successful negotiations allowed food distribution to four million people. This was the first dispatch to all provinces for six months.

l. SITUATION OVERVIEW

The Tropical Storm ''Domeng'' has maintained its strength and continues a West Northwest direction.