Boats and Planes Bring Philippine Typhoon Survivors Home
Analysis
“Cebu’s tent city, managed by IOM, the Philippine Red Cross and the local government, was one of several which were established in typhoon-affected areas as temporary housing solutions for displaced populations. It opened at the end of December, initially providing shelter, food and other necessities for 70 families who had previously been living in evacuation centres. The city’s Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) set a deadline of 23rd March for its closure, in order to encourage inhabitants to become independent and to move to more durable accommodation. The former residents of tent cities in other areas have been returned to their homes or relatives’ homes if possible, or transferred to bunkhouses. Another tent city managed by IOM in Guiuan, Eastern Samar, remains open and currently houses 112 families.”
Rex Arnold Alamban
Emergency Preparedness and Response, IOM Philippines
Email: ralamban@iom.int
Philippines - IOM has teamed up with the Philippine Air Force and Navy to help families displaced by Typhoon Haiyan in November to return to their home provinces after months living in tent cities.
The typhoon, which claimed over 6,000 lives and displaced over four million people, forced many families to leave the worst-hit islands of Leyte and Samar in search of protection and shelter on neighbouring Cebu island.
While some people had already made their own way back, 34 families needed assistance when a Cebu tent city closed last week. IOM in Cebu arranged for them free transportation on Philippine Air Force planes and Navy boats.
On Sunday morning, Air Force flights began to take groups back to Tacloban City from where they were then transported onward overland to their homes.
The flights were interrupted by severe weather due to a tropical storm. Consequently six families had to instead be taken back by ferry. Once back in their home provinces, the returnees receive financial assistance from local government.
A further 17 families decided to stay in Cebu. Most have already found employment, with the support of the local chamber of commerce.
Marco Boasso, IOM’s Chief of Mission in the Philippines, commented: “After months away from home, families are going back to their provinces to be with relatives and work on rebuilding their houses and their lives. IOM is committed to supporting the Philippine Government in ensuring their safe return.”
For more information please contact
Marco Boasso
IOM Manila
Email: mboasso@iom.int