By IsraAID Staff | Philippines
On 29 December 2018 Tropical Depression Usman hit the Philippines, causing severe flooding, landslides, and destroying infrastructure and homes. According to local authorities, at least 122 have been killed and an additional 28 people are missing, as of 3 January 2019. Local media reported that because the storm was not strong enough to be categorized as a typhoon, residents failed to take the necessary precautions preceding the storm, causing even more damage. More than 75,000 families totaling at 305,000 individuals were affected, with many living in temporary evacuation centers. Amid these difficult circumstances, urgent support is needed.
On 3 January 2019, IsraAID's team based in Leyte deployed to the Sagñay municipality to conduct an initial needs assessment and provide Psychological First Aid for communities in need of support. The Emergency Response Team, made up Filipino and Israeli IsraAID Philippines staff members, arrived on the ground to distribute relief items and identify next steps.
Since arriving in Buhi, Camarines Sur, the IsraAID team has worked in evacuation shelters to support affected communities' mental health needs. IsraAID Psychosocial Support Specialists are providing activities for children and their families in the evacuation center's Child Friendly Spaces, focusing on building resilience and teaching children new coping mechanisms to use in these challenging moments of uncertainty.
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