Philippines - The Philippines, recently battered by an earthquake, typhoons and conflict, is now experiencing floods and mudslides which have already claimed over 40 lives and displaced tens of thousands of people.

IOM teams are working with government, international organizations, the UN and NGOs to evacuate the most vulnerable, and organize temporary shelter and other aid.

The central and southern Philippines have been the worst hit, with the city of Hinatuan, receiving 1.3 metres of rain in the first 20 days of the year – more than New York City gets in an entire year.

In total, over 800,000 people are affected and relief organizations are at full stretch.

“In one way, it’s good that there are personnel in place,” said Rex Alamban, IOM Manila’s Officer-in-Charge. “But on the other hand, we had just got through three emergencies and now we have to start again. Many of the affected people had already lost their homes and loved ones, and now they are being displaced for a second time.”

There is no relief in sight for the southern Philippines as moisture from the weakened tropical storm Lingling, which caused heavy flooding in Indonesia, combines with the local monsoon.

According to forecasters, a further 300 millimetres of rain could fall during the week, worsening flooding, while continuing the threat of mudslides.

In Guiuan, four evacuation shelters have been opened for hundreds of families, many of whom came from IOM’s tent city.

IOM has supplied latrines, electricity, blankets and tarpaulins, while other partners distributed food, water, medicine, hygiene kits and solar lamps. IOM has also provided logistics and transport where needed.

IOM is also active further south in Davao, assisting the Philippine Department of Social Welfare and Development to get food and shelter to over 6,000 affected families.

IOM revealed this week that only 30 per cent of its appeal for shelter items, health, protection, coordination and communications support in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan have been met, with only USD 17.6 million of the  USD 57.6 million needed received.

For more information please contact

Rex Alamban
IOM Manila
Email: ralamban@iom.int

or

Joe Lowry
IOM Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok
Email: jlowry@iom.int