Over 470 000 people were affected by Tropical Storm Washi, sadly nearly 1,000 people died and others still reported missing. To help with immediate needs, Merlin is working with a local NGO to distribute hygiene kits and offer basic medical assistance, in the longer term we plan to rehabilitate health facilities and train health staff to prepare for future emergencies.
On Dec 15 Tropical Storm Washi hit Mindanao, Philippines destroying buildings, homes and lives and leaving in its wake, flooding, contaminated waters, mud and the threat of disease. Thousands of those affected live in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan City. President Banigno Aquino III has declared a state of national calamity and although the Government has responded quickly, additional assistance is urgently needed.
Merlin's first priority is protect people from disease, therefore a good level of hygiene is essential. Merlin have be distributin hygiene kits to storm victims, via local networks. The hygiene kits include buckets, jugs, bowls, soap, toothbrush & paste, shampoo, chlorination tablets and a malaria net and will help keep families safe from illnesses, as dirty flood waters continue to add to the risk of catching and spreading disease.
Once the flood waters have receded, sludge and contaminated mud will be left. Merlin hope to be part of the cleaning and rehabilitation of health facilities allowing government health staff can to start offering medical services again, as soon as possible. Merlin teams were involved in similar activities on Talim Island after Typhoon Ketsana hit Philippines in 2009.
