Emergency flood support Manila, Philippines

Final Report - Monsoon Flooding, Philippines

This past August a severe monsoon hit the capital of the Philippines, Manila, causing widespread flooding in the capital and remote surrounding areas up to 10 feet deep.  Around 78 people are thought to have died and over 1.3 million were displaced.  More than 130,000 people are still residing in evacuation centers. With many areas still under water - in particular the isolated, outlying areas of Rizal, Pampanga and Bulacan Provinces - more than 300,000 are still in need of assistance outside of those evacuation centers.

Unfortunately, the Philippines is no stranger to flooding as is among the most disaster prone countries in the world with an average of 20 typhoons each year. Merlin has been stationed in the country since the devastating 2009 Typhoon Ketsana and continues to provide relief during emergencies asides from its regular health programs.

Accomplishments

Merlin is worked with local health authorities and other international agencies to carry out medical missions to evacuation centers and affected communities. Health workers and volunteers key achievements have been:

• Implementation of medical mission in Evacuation Centers and affected communities for 3,000 individuals (implementation through national partner)
• Health education and Hygiene promotion in evacuations centers and affected communities for 1,350 individuals.
• Provision of Medicines an estimated 30,000 persons
• Distribution of Hygiene kits to 500 families (est. 2,500 individuals)
• Distribution of blankets in evacuation centers for 150 families (est. 750 individuals)
• Estimated number of beneficiaries: 37,600 individuals

What Next?

While the situation in Manila is improving and the world’s news cameras start to turn their attention elsewhere, thousands are still in evacuation centers and many communities still need assistance as the flooding has yet to subside in certain areas outside the capital. Furthermore, forecasts suggest that more rain, storms and typhoons are on the way as the rainy season is not thought to finish until November.

Therefore it’s vital that Merlin continues providing support and assistance to those who need it in the Philippines. For more information on this and other Merlin projects, please visit our website www.merlinusa.org