APD | ​28 dead, 12 missing as NGOs say water, food and shelter badly needed in coastal communities wrecked by latest cyclone

By APD writer Melo M. Acuña

MANILA, Dec. 27 (APD) – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) confirmed 28 persons died while 12 others have remained mission after Phanfone (Ursula) ravaged Central Philippines on Christmas eve and Christmas day. Two others have been reported injured.

Complementing Philippine government’s efforts, non-government organizations including Oxfam Philippines and its partners said the urgent need for humanitarian assistance should remain a top priority.

Yesterday, after tropical cyclone Phanfone (known as Ursula in the Philippines) which made seven landfalls in Central Philippines from December 24 to late afternoon of December 25, Oxfam Philippines Country Director Lot Felizco said there remains many communities were still recovering from the onslaught of super typhoon Kammuri (also known as Tisoy, in dire need of support.

“We are deeply concerned about the situation in communities hit by Typhoon Ursula, which made seven landfalls from Christmas eve, usually a time for celebration and thanksgiving in the Philippines. Many communities are still struggling after Tyhoon Tisoy hit their area some weeks ago,” Felizco said in a statement.

An NGO worker, Leah Payud said the latest tropical cyclone used the same path Haiyan or Yolanda took in 2013.

“Although weaker, its devastating impacts are widely felt, where houses have been severely damaged and electric posts toppled. We spent Christmas Day in total darkness,” she added.

Workers from various NGOs affiliated with the People’s Disaster Risk Reduction Network (PDRRN) have visited four towns in Leyte and Eastern Visayas to assess the damage.

“Coastal village residents are in need of emergency shelter materials, beddings, potable water and food. Power outages, loss of access to infrastructure such as schools and markets and severe damage to houses along the shore would remain serious concerns after the disaster,” said Esteban Masagca, PDRRN executive director.

He added it is sad thousands of families will enter the new year sans food and even homes.

The Department of National Defense-based National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said they evacuated 12,364 families or 58,400 persons and as of today, 12,131 families or 433,850 persons are still in evacuation centers.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)