Attachments
This emergency appeal is launched on a preliminary basis for CHF 72,323,259 (about USD 78,600,372 or EUR 58,649,153) seeking cash, kind or services to cover the immediate needs of the people affected and support the Philippine Red Cross in delivering humanitarian assistance to 100,000 families (500,000 people) within 18 months. This includes CHF 761,688 to support its role in shelter cluster coordination. The IFRC is also soliciting support from National Societies in the deployment of emergency response units (ERUs) at an estimated value of CHF 3.5 million. The operation will be completed by the end of June 2015 and a final report will be made available by 30 September 2015, three months after the end of the operation.
CHF 475,495 was allocated from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) on 8 November 2013 to support the National Society in undertaking delivering immediate assistance to affected people and undertaking needs assessments. Unearmarked funds to replenish DREF are encouraged.
Summary
Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) made landfall on 8 November 2013 with maximum sustained winds of 235 kph and gusts of up to 275 kph. The typhoon and subsequent storm surges have resulted in extensive damage to infrastructure, making access a challenge. Authorities are still determining casualty figures, with the latest update released by the government indicating over two million families (9.67 million people) affected across 41 provinces, with 128,303 families (615,774 people) sheltered in 1,444 evacuation centres, while up to 36,646 families (182,474 persons) have sought alternative shelter with family or friends.
While a clearer picture of the actual scale and scope of this emergency is expected to emerge gradually as access to isolated areas improves and damaged communication systems are restored, the humanitarian needs are massive. The national authorities have declared a state of national calamity and indicated that they will accept international assistance. Based on the extensive experience and knowledge the National Society has gained in undertaking emergency, relief and early recovery programmes relating to typhoons, PRC has determined that on the basis of the typhoon’s impact, a large scale humanitarian operation is needed and has requested the support of its national and international partners to deliver assistance to the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan.
In response, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners have committed to support PRC’s efforts to ensure that assistance reaches the most vulnerable survivors. The Movement partners have engaged extensively and reached a mutual agreement on how they will best work together. Accordingly, the PRC, ICRC and IFRC have signed a joint statement, which outlines, among others, the different geographical areas of focus. In view of the importance of the operation and the need for a solid coordination practice the partners will develop a common narrative on operational developments. Partner National Societies, governments, institutional donors, foundations, corporations, private entities and individuals are there encouraged to provide donations to both the IFRC and ICRC appeals to ensure that the National Society’s intervention reaches all affected areas.
The National Society has prioritized getting relief to the worst affected areas as quickly as possible to ensure that survivors – who are in urgent need of assistance – receive much-needed aid. Rapid assessments will be conducted alongside distributions. In identifying the needs, PRC has analysed reports from its chapters and reviewed secondary data – including updates from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and local disaster risk reduction and management councils – and media reports. As such, this appeal is being launched on a preliminary basis. Adjustments to the plan and budget will be done in the coming weeks based on detailed assessment results.