Philippines: Assessing situation as typhoon loops back

Médecins Sans Frontières teams assessing the situation in the northern Philippines as typhoon Parma loops back

Médecins Sans Frontières medical doctors and logisticians are currently assessing the situation on the main island of Luzon, as tropical storm Parma continues to rain on the northern Philippines. Authorities fear new landslides and floods, as heavy rains and strong winds are still prevailing in the area. Two Médecins Sans Frontières teams, of 7 people, are currently assessing affected regions in the north and are carrying out medical consultations as they move from place to place. One team is heading east of the town of Claveria, and the other south to Ilocos.

Almost two weeks after typhoon Ketsana hit the Philippines, large parts of the city of Manila and surrounding areas, are still underwater. Despite the quick and efficient response of the authorities, some remote areas are still without support. Médecins Sans Frontières teams have been focussing on the harder to reach areas, such as Laguna Bay to the south east of the city and have been conducting mobile clinics for people who have been unable to access government health structures. In total eight Médecins Sans Frontières doctors, sometimes travelling to areas by boat, have provided more than 800 medical consultations.

“The main pathologies are diarrhoea, fungal infections of the feet and legs and respiratory tract infections. The stagnant water and disruption of the sanitation system could cause health problems and we need to continue monitoring it closely.” said Oifa Bouriachi, Médecins Sans Frontières’ emergency coordinator.

Although the situation has stabilised near Manila and water levels are slowly dropping, nearly 340,000 people are still sheltering in more than 500 evacuation centres. Some flooded areas could take months to subside. So far, Médecins Sans Frontières teams have provided more than 3000 hygiene kits as well as equipment to improve sanitary conditions in the evacuation centres.

Meanwhile, Médecins Sans Frontières has sent 22 tonnes of material to Manila (non food items such as blankets, jerry cans and hygiene kits). Teams plan to remain in the area to closely monitor the situation and respond to any developing needs.

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 Asia Pacific natural disasters - 21-10-09 14:37