Philippines: Landslide OCHA Situation Report No. 2

Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2006/18
OCHA Situation Report No. 1
The Philippines - Landslide

This situation report is based on information provided to OCHA by the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, the Philippines Office of Civil Defense, the Philippines National Disaster Management Center and the IFRC.

I. SITUATION

On 17 February 2006, at 10 a.m. local time (02:00 GMT) a landslide hit the village of Guinsaugon (estimated population 1,400) near the town of St. Bernard in Southern Leyte Province. The village was hit by a second landslide at approximately 10 p.m. local time (22:00 GMT) the same day. The second landslide resulted in the evacuation of eleven surrounding villages as a preventive measure. The Philippine Geosciences Bureau estimates that the landslide is 4 metres deep and covers an area of approximately 3 square kilometres.

1,500 people, including 250 staff and students of the local school, are believed to be buried in the village of Guidsaugon. At the present time 80 people have been rescued and are staying in three evacuation centres. 41 of the survivors sustained injuries and are being treated at the local hospital. 19 unidentified bodies have been recovered from the site.

The landslides have also blocked tributaries of a major river which could cause flooding in nearby areas. More rain is expected in the area in the next 24 to 48 hours which will complicate rescue and relief operations and increase the likelihood of additional landslides. Given the forecast of additional rain, flood warnings have also been issued for the Caraga Region.

II. NATIONAL RESPONSE

Rescue teams from the Philippine's Air force and Army have been undertaking search and recovery operations since yesterday. The Government has deployed two search and rescue vessels, 2 C-130 airplanes and 2 navy vessels, which also serve as hospital platforms.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already distributed 600 family food packs and has an additional 1,500 family food packs and 2,500 clothing packs on standby. The Department of Health (DOH) has provided 116 body bags, lime powder, IV fluids and assorted drugs with a value of PhP 2.1 million. A ten-person trauma team has also been deployed by the DOH.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) have provided earth moving equipment such as pay loaders, backhoes, bulldozers which have made the town of Saint Bernard accessible.

The Philippines National Red Cross Society has deployed 70 personnel to the area including an assessment team, health teams, 2 dog teams, and personnel to provide psycho-social assistance and assist with communications.

Yesterday, the Philippines National Red Cross Society provided 100 family tents, 300 blankets, 5 cartons of water purification tablets and 700 body bags. An additional 26,000 lbs of medical supplies were sent to the site today. The International Federation of the Red Cross provided an emergency grant of CHF 200,000 to the Philippines National Red Cross Society for emergency relief supplies. Yesterday, the International Federation of the Red Cross launched an emergency appeal for CHF 2 million yesterday.

The National Resource Operation Center (NROC) has been set up by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Pasay City. The NROC has been functioning as DSWD Operations Center to facilitate processing of donations and coordinating all efforts of member agencies of the National Committee on Disaster Response (NCDR) and other private individuals and organizations.

III. INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

The US Navy has sent two ships to the area. Malaysia has made two 2 C-130 aircraft available and Singapore has provided search and rescue helicopters.

The Japanese Government has agreed to donate emergency supplies and equipment. The Government of Australia has pledged A$1 million for immediate relief and medical assistance which will be made available to the Philippines Red Cross Society and other relief agencies to assist with the immediate task of evacuating survivors, setting up shelter and trauma counseling as well as meeting the basic needs of food, clothing and emergency items.

UNICEF has provided health kits and essential medicine for 10,000 persons. OCHA has provided an emergency grant of $50,000 and UNDP has mobilized an additional $100,000 for immediate response.

A 6-member United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) Team is being deployed to support the Government, the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team in assessing the situation and coordinating the response, including civil military coordination. Telecomms Sans Frontieres (TSF) is deploying a two-person module to support the UNDAC Team.

IV. PRIORITY NEEDS

The results of the Philippines Office of Civil Defense-led assessment that was deployed to the site today are expected tomorrow. These results, and those of other assessments currently underway, will form the basis of prioritization and resource mobilization for the relief operations that are already ongoing.

The Government of the Philippines is prioritizing ongoing search and recovery operations and emergency relief for the victims as well as those evacuated from neighboring villages who are currently residing in 7 evacuation centres. Effective coordination of relief efforts has been emphasized.

In parallel with the relief efforts, the Government plans to intensify disaster preparedness in the surrounding areas and other regions vulnerable to landslide and flood during heavy rains.

V. REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE

The Government of the Philippines welcomes international assistance but has not issued a formal request.

This situation report, together with the information on contributions and other ongoing emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int

Tel.: +41-22-917 12 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only:

Tel. +41-22-917 20 10z

Desk Officers:

Ms. Merete Johansson
direct Tel. +41-22-9171694

Ms. Megan Gilgan
direct Tel. +41-22-9171558

Press contact: (GVA)

Ms. Elizabeth Byrs
direct Tel. +41-22-917 2653

N.Y.

Ms. Stephanie Bunker
direct Tel. + 1-917 367 5126