As responders reach the most affected areas, details of the havoc that Tropical Storm Tembin has wrought are emerging. Up to 23 provinces with over 540,000 people have been affected, with reported 195 deaths, 115 injured and 384 missing so far.
Two days after the tropical storm Tembin made landfall in Mindanao, people in harm’s way are struggling to come to terms with the impact that caused such sudden death and destruction.
Volunteers and search and rescue teams from the Philippine Red Cross were rapidly mobilized to the affected areas, and are now working to reach people in need with water, food, and emergency shelter.
The danger is not over for people affected. Flashfloods and landslides continue to pose threats across the island.
Hot meals are being served, and welfare services provided in the evacuation centers, where over 50,000 people are staying after being evacuated prior to the landfall of the storm.
Over the next few days, the Red Cross appeal will meet the humanitarian needs of 20,000 people in four out of 20 provinces hit by Tembin: Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Cagayan de Oro.
Photos courtesy: Patrick Mongaya/Philippine Red Cross
Tropical Storm Tembin made landfall in Mindanao, in southern Philippines, last weekend, causing flashfloods and landslides and impacting up to 23 provinces and leaving thousands displaced. The storm caused damage to homes, as well as critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges and power lines. Casualties and injuries, as well as missing people, have also been reported.
The Philippine Red Cross quickly mobilized its volunteers as well as its search and rescue teams to the affected area. They are helping people in need with water, food and emergency shelter, providing psychosocial support and carrying out assessments to determine additional needs. The International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) is providing support.
Canadian Red Cross has provided financial support thanks to the Government of Canada and remains on standby to provide additional assistance if required.