Philippines typhoon

Oxfam is providing support to around 60,000 people affected by Typhoon Frank (Fengshen) which battered parts of the Philippines on 22 June 2008.

The situation

Over 500,000 families are thought to have been affected by the typhoon, although communcation from some provinces is still impossible. Many remain in evacuation centres, including schools, while many others have been returning home to their damaged houses.

Oxfam's response

We have taken part in rapid assessments with other Non-Governmental Organisations and partners, and are beginning a response in Aklan province (on Panay island) and Mindanao, targeting 11,000 families (about 60,000 people). Our work will include the provision of clean drinking water, distributions of water containers, hygiene kits, underwear, and cash.

As of 14 July 2008, water kits have been distributed to 994 families in ten villages. Water kits have also been provided to 192 classrooms in 12 schools. The distribution was co-ordinated with corresponding municipal health offices. Transport of water kits to Aklan and Sultan Kudarat is now complete (total of 11,000 kits), and distribution has already started.

There is also an advocacy element to our response, focusing on disaster risk reduction and better management of water systems.

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July 2008