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Philippines: Major emergency operation following Tropical Storm Washi
Photo by Press TV
(Reliefweb) The Government of the Philippines is leading a major emergency rescue, evacuation and response operation in southern Philippines following the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Washi. Known locally as Sendong, the storm swept across Mindanao region from 16 to 18 December 2011, bringing strong winds and heavy rains that caused massive flooding, flash floods and landslides.
The death toll has risen to 508 people, with an additional 468 missing, seven injured and 4,249 passengers stranded in ports, according to Government reports.
There are 51,035 people in 46 evacuation centers, the majority of whom are in the worst-affected cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in Northern Mindanao region. An estimated 146,550 people have been affected across six regions in Mindanao and Visayas, reports the Government, but these figures are expected to increase.
In Iligan City, food, water, clothing, blankets, lights and mosquito nets are urgently needed, according to assessment teams fielded by the Philippine Red Cross.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Philippine Humanitarian Country Team will undertake a joint multi-sectoral rapid needs assessment in the worst-affected areas on 19 December.
Download OCHA's situation report no. 1 here.
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