Philippines floods claim hundreds of lives
19/12/2011 4:09:37 PM
More than 650 people have been killed and hundreds are missing as a result of flash floods on the Philippines’ southern island of Mindanao.
The government of the Philippines is leading a major emergency rescue, evacuation and response operation following the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Washi, known locally as Sendong.
There are 51,035 people in 46 evacuation centres, the majority of whom are in the worst-affected cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in Northern Mindanao region. An estimated 146,550 people have been affected across six regions in Mindanao and Visayas, reports the Government, but these figures are expected to increase.
In Iligan City, food, water, clothing, blankets, lights and mosquito nets are urgently needed.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Philippine Humanitarian Country Team will undertake a joint multi-sectoral rapid needs assessment in the worst-affected areas on December 19.
Act for Peace supports human rights and peace building work in the Philippines through our partner the National Council of Churches in the Philippines.
More details of the relief operation in the Philippines will be posted in the coming days.
