The Disaster
Two severe weather fronts have affected the Philippines this week. First, typhoon Kirogi struck the northern regions, followed by tropical storm ‘Edeng’ (Kai-tak) which also intensified from monsoon scale to a full-blown typhoon with 120-150 kph winds. While it was expected to move out of the Philippines by tomorrow morning (8 July) towards Japan and the mainland of China, intense monsoon rains continued to inundate large portions of western Luzon. All storm warning signals have already been lowered, except for Ilocos Norte and Batanes islands which are still under public storm warning signal 1.
Torrential monsoon rains caused dams and major river channels to swell, causing flooding in low-lying towns in regions 1, 3, 4, 6 and Metro Manila.
The Disaster Management Services (DSM) of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) has assessed the situation and provided the following detailed update:
- Torrential rains caused 10 major dams or water reservoirs to swell to up to 34 meters above their normal levels. To relieve pressure, water was released from five dams, causing additional flooding. The release of water from the La Mesa dam in Quezon City (Metro Manila) is expected to inundate 4 cities.
- There are no reported lahar (volcanic material) flows, so far. However, 9 towns of Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales (Central Luzon provinces) are considered at risk.
- The agricultural sector (ricefarming, livestock and fisheries) is expected to suffer the majority of the damage, and estimates are expected to rise as most of the local disaster coordinating councils have not yet submitted their comprehensive damage reports.
- There are no reports of the outbreak of disease. Health authorities are closely monitoring the health conditions -- especially those low-lying flooded areas in congested evacuation centers.
Red Cross/Red Crescent Action
The PNRC has already provided immediate food assistance consisting of rice, canned goods and noodles to approximately 74,136 persons (9,161 families), mostly those evacuated to temporary emergency shelters. Some of these families also received hot meals, blankets and tarpaulin sheets. The table below provides an initial estimate of victims and assistance distributed.
Since Monday, 3 July, 19 PNRC Chapters have been actively involved in the preparations for evacuation, provision of first aid services, and distribution of food supplies through Chapter Disaster Response Teams (DRT). These Chapters are still in full swing in food distribution, especially those still in evacuation centers.
The DRT in La Union also rendered emergency care to tornado victims in Carlatan and Bancusay, San Fernando, and La Union.
Additional supplies and funds were sent to Pampanga, Pangasinan, Bulacan, La Union, Bataan, Rizal, Caloocan, Manila, Tarlac and Ilocos Sur to expedite PNRC assistance.
Needs
At this point of time, the PNRC is covering the needs from available stock and its own resources, and does not anticipate launching an appeal for assistance.
Hiroshi Higashiura
Director
Asia and Pacific Department
Peter Rees-Gildea
Director
Operations Funding and Reporting Department