Philippines - Conditions for long-term displaced persons in camps and other settlements across the Visayas region of Central Philippines need to be rapidly upgraded to ensure the safety and psychological welfare of tens of thousands of people, the International Organization for Migration warned today.

The call came after a fire in a tent settlement in Tacloban, the city worst-affected by last November’s super-Typhoon, claimed the lives of a mother and six of her children early Wednesday morning.

“This was a terrible tragedy,” noted Marco Boasso, IOM Chief of Mission in the Philippines. “But fires are not the only threat faced by Haiyan-displaced persons. Protecting women and children from violence and sexual assault is of prime importance, and while this has not been an issue to date, it is something we and our partners in the Philippines government are keeping a close eye on.”  

“Meanwhile, we are about to enter the typhoon season and not one of these tents would survive even a mild tropical storm,” he added. “Apart from that, all informal settlements, anywhere in the world, need to provide security, health care, education, and if possible, employment opportunities.

Even before this latest disaster, IOM had started to set up pilot temporary shelters in Tacloban, after consultation with the city government and groups representing displaced persons. The low-cost, quick-build dwellings are designed to get people out of tent cities and other unsafe zones and structures, while they are waiting for durable solutions or permanent relocation. 

Along with an initial 300 units, IOM is proceeding with emergency evacuation planning with community leaders so people can move to pre-identified safe evacuation areas in case of disaster.  Ground works have already begun on the site to which some families living in tents and other makeshift structures will be relocated.

Much time, money and effort has already been invested in continuously improving conditions for displaced persons across the affected area, with the installation of shower areas, latrines and safe spaces. IOM has run several training sessions for local officials and community leaders, including evacuation and fire drills.

“The whole situation is tragic,” added IOM’s Boasso. “This family had only recently arrived from Samar Island where the father is working. They were not part of the most recent fire drill. If they had been, this calamity might never have happened. It all underscores the need for a renewed and urgent focus on getting people into safer, more durable and more dignified accommodation.”

For more information please contact

Marco Boasso
IOM Philippines
Email: mboasso@iom.int