• Almost 1.5 million people affected
• More than 114,000 families in evacuation shelters
• Fears of further spread of COVID-19
Almost 1.5 million people have been impacted by super-typhoon Goni, with around 416,000 people sheltering in evacuation centres, according to humanitarian agency World Vision.
World Vision has despatched a response team into the affected areas as it prepares to respond to initially help 10,000 families or 50,000 individuals in the affected communities of the stricken Bicol region, south of Manila.
“Thousands of children and their families are now displaced and sheltering in evacuation centres. Our goal is to assess their condition, be on the ground the soonest possible and support local government initial relief efforts as necessary,” World Vision’s Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs (HEA) director Ajab-Aram Macapagat said.
Field staff based in the Bicol provinces (Albay, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur) are liaising with local government authorities to conduct rapid assessments as they establish the immediate needs of those affected.
“Our teams on ground are now joining inter-agency assessments. Our Disaster management team from Metro Manila will also be deployed today to augment the manpower in those areas,” he said.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) report shows that 372,716 families or 1,468,296 persons in the affected regions have been impacted. Around 114,000 families, or 416,195 individuals are staying in evacuation centres and informal settlements.
World Vision has mobilised relief items for immediate distribution, once the roadways are cleared and hard-hit areas become accessible to bring the help. World Vision is preparing to provide emergency essentials like Shelter Kits, Hygiene Kits, Kitchen Kits and Non-food items (blanket, mat, and mosquito nets).
Aside from the devastating impact of the typhoon, the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic has also been a lingering concern of the affected families.
“We urge everyone to continue praying for the families who bore the brunt of the typhoon. We also urge our leaders to prioritise the welfare of the children, who are vulnerable to abuse and even distress during disasters. Let us also come together to support them in these trying times,” Mr Macapagat said.
