Philippines • Typhoon Ketsana and Parma Situation Report No

Philippines • Typhoon Ketsana and Parma Situation Report No. 5 04 October 2009

This report was issued by OCHA New York based on inputs from the OCHA Regional Office for Asia Pacific (ROAP) and OCHA Philippines. It covers the period from 2 to 4 October 2009. Situation Reports are now issued every second day. The next report will be issued on 6 October.

For a full National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) report on the Government response, please visit www.ndcc.gov.ph

I. HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITIES

• Typhoon Parma (locally named Pepeng) made landfall in Cagayan Valley – Region III as a Category 3 Typhoon on 3 October. Typhoon Parma weakened to a Category 2 and is currently over far North Luzon, according to PAGASA. • Initial data for Typhoon Parma indicates more than 68,589 people (14,342 families) were affected, with two confirmed deaths and 35,543 people (8,062 families) located in 188 evacuation centres, according to the Department for Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). • Tropical Storm Ketsana (locally named Ondoy) affected 3,232,234 people (668,864 families), leaving 288 dead and 42 missing. A total of 370,147 people are currently in 515 evacuation shelters. An estimated 4,404 houses were destroyed by the storm and floods and 6,033 houses were partially damaged, according to the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). • Food, water, sanitation and hygiene relief remain the highest priorities. Humanitarian partners have been requested to be prepared to expand their support to incorporate the Typhoon Parma affected areas, based on incoming assessments. • Assessments of Typhoon Parma and Tropical Storm Ketsana are on-going. Organisations are requested to coordinate assessments through the NDCC. • The Flash Appeal will be launched on Tuesday, 6 October 2009 in Geneva, and will be presented in Manila the following day. The appeal will also be addressed in an all member states briefing by the Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) on natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific region in New York that same day. • A request for funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) was submitted by the Resident Coordinator (RC) to support projects presented in the appeal.

II. Situation Overview

On 3 October 2009, Typhoon Parma weakened to a Category 3 Typhoon as it made landfall in Cagayan Valley – Region III. Typhoon Parma weakened to a Category 2 as it moved slowly in a north-northwest direction. It was located 150 kilometres north-northwest of Laoag City with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the centre and gusts of up to 150 km per hour with stormy weather and strong winds and rain forecast for the far northern parts of North Luzon, at 1700hr on 4 October, according to the Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomic Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines led a pre-emptive evacuation of 45,486 people from the path of Typhoon Parma from 15 provinces in Regions I (Ilocandia), II (Cagayan Valley), III, IV-A, V (Bicolandia) and National Capital Region (NRC) from 1-3 October. The people were evacuated to host- families and 117 evacuation centres.

As of 4 October, Typhoon Parma affected 68,589 people (14,342 families) with two confirmed deaths and 35,543 people (8,062 families) staying in 188 evacuation centres, according to the DSWD. Many roads are

The mission of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors. closed in sections due to water inundation and fallen trees or debris. The storm reportedly caused temporary power shortages. Initial reports indicate that rainfall caused water inundation of houses and floods in low-lying areas. The storm continues to move over far North Luzon and further information, including on the development of other storms in the region, is being monitored.

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the humanitarian partners continue to respond to the needs caused by Tropical Storm Ketsana (locally named Ondoy) that made landfall on 26 September 2009. Humanitarian partners are requested to be prepared to expand their support to incorporate the Typhoon Parma affected areas, based on incoming assessments. The affected regions for both storms include Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR), Central Luzon (Region III), National Capital Region (NRC - Metro Manila), Calabarzan (Region IV-A) and Mimaropa (Region IV-B).

The number of people affected by Tropical Storm Ketsana continues to rise as humanitarian agencies gain access to isolated areas. The number of affected is 3,232,234 people (668,864 families), 488 dead and 42 people still missing. The number of flood-affected displaced is decreasing, with an estimated 370,147 people (74,258 families) in 515 evacuation centres.

Typhoon Parma Satellite Image (‘Pepeng’)

Graphic: Image taken at 17:00, 4-Oct-09: PAGASA

III. Humanitarian Needs and Response

Needs Assessments and Priorities

Once Typhoon Parma passed, the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team conducted an aerial assessment of the Central National Region (Metro Manila) on 4 October to assess the water levels, transportation access to the flood affected areas and estimated damage. Water inundation was apparent in Santa Rosa, San Pedro, Alabang, Pasig and Taytay. South of Taguig City, water damage inland reached about 300 metres inland from the original shoreline, with limited or no access to 80 percent of the area along the shoreline. An estimated 15-20 percent of the houses were destroyed and 70 percent of houses partially damaged (walls collapsed or water inundated). No vehicle movement in the areas assessed. Similarly in Bicutan, there was significant infrastructure damage to the power station and liquid storage facilities, which are completely underwater. Sparsely populated areas are filled with debris with some boats overturned. For further information, refer to the aerial assessment on the website (www.un.org.ph).

On 4 October, NDCC conducted an aerial assessment of the flood affected areas in Cagayan Region, in order to evaluate water levels, access and estimated damage. United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team dispersed a test convoy mission on 4 October to assess transportation access to the Typhoon Parma affected regions. Many roads and bridges are reported impassable due to flooding and trees or debris.

The IASC Country Team in the Philippines in support of the NDCC will conduct Joint Rapid Needs Assessments to Typhoon Parma affected areas, with a priority to assess critical infrastructure such as hospitals. Organisations are encouraged to inform the NDCC about assessments conducted to ensure information sharing or contact Cluster Leads to join planned joint assessments for Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma affected areas.

On 3 October, the UNDAC team conducted assessments of the impact of the Tropical Storm Ketsana in Marilao Municipality (Region III), Valenzuela City (National Central Region), Taytay Municipality (Region IV- A), Pasig City (National Central Region). General findings indicated that the food situation remains dire in the worst flood-affected areas and in some evacuation centres. There is an urgent need for potable water supplies, additional sanitation facilities in some evacuation centres, in particular the over-crowded centres, and a dire need for waste management. Health facilities were functioning, medical supplies were limited. There is a high incident rate of diarrhoea in Marilao; an estimated 75 percent of the 8,000 flood-affected families were affected by diarrhoea. Schools currently closed are scheduled to return to class from 5 October, which would be disrupted by the schools used as evacuation centres. Relocation of flood-affected displaced from school evacuation centres remains a challenge, due to the lack of resources for temporary shelters and identification of available, suitable land. There is a shortage of construction materials for the reconstruction. For further information, refer to the website (www.un.org.ph).

Emergency Shelter Humanitarian Needs: Typhoon Parma hit the northern regions within the last 24 hours and detailed information on its effects are being compiled, however, anecdotal evidence indicates that there is extensive flooding along low-lying riverways and some landslides have occurred. This will no doubt have an effect on the housing situation of those living in those areas. In addition, preparations for Typhoon Parma increased those living in evacuation centers in northern regions by up to 100,000 people. The additional surge will require appropriate assistance until they can return to safe family housing. Recent assessments by UNDAC revealed that in some areas with poor access there are significant numbers of families living in submerged housing. These include families unable to be accommodated in evacuation centers and should be considered at high risk (UNDAC 2 October 2009). Main needs identified are continued appropriate support in evacuation centers with safe accommodation and sustenance until a return or alternative housing is possible and identification and support to families who are still affected in their original homes, possibly submerged, and are still in need of support. As flood waters recede, homes and neighborhoods will require sanitation support.

Humanitarian Response: Tarpaulins and other NFIs have been provided to the DSWD by various organizations. The Philippines National Red Cross (PNRC) has recently been assisting the relocation of families vulnerable to the approach of Typhoon Parma into evacuation centers and provision of appropriate water and sanitation facilities. Other agencies report shelter related interventions at evacuation centers. Plans for longer term housing solutions are being considered by several agencies.

Gaps and Constraints: Families living in submerged housing that have not been relocated to evacuation centers or host families are a clear under-supported vulnerable group. Detailed assessment is required although access is still a serious concern. Prior to detailed assessment, the latest figures are: An estimated 75,000 most vulnerable families who are currently in evacuation centers and cannot return to their homes need emergency shelter support; an estimated 30,000 most vulnerable families in evacuation centers that will return to their homes and need a return package to help them recover from the damage; an estimated 3,000 most vulnerable families need support to rebuild their totally damaged houses; an estimated 4,000 most vulnerable families need help repair their partially damaged houses; rehabilitation support for an estimated 300 evacuation centers; an unknown number of most vulnerable families who have not been accommodated in evacuation centers and are still currently residing in their original, yet submerged house will require sanitation kits, and shelter NFIs to repair houses (this number could be considerable).

Food Security Humanitarian Needs: WFP is targeting an estimated 1,000,000 people in need of immediate food assistance.

Humanitarian Response: DSWD distribution from WFP’s initial contribution of 740 MT of rice is continuing. 35 MT of High Energy Biscuits (HEBs) were being delivered on 4 and 5 October, to previously unassisted barangays in Pateros. The location was prioritised following consultations with DSWD, and based on UNDAC findings. HEBs will be distributed with rice to over 4,500 families who remain in their homes. The area is underwater and access is challenging. An additional 70 MT of HEBs is due to arrive on 6 October; priorities The mission of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors.

are being agreed upon to allow for immediate distribution. A food coordination meeting will take place on 5 October in WFP offices; the main goal is to assess food assistance provided to date by NGOs with a view to establishing a single food pipeline as requested by DSWD. Two WFP staff members have joined the UNDAC mission to Northern Luzon to assess affects of Typhoon Parma in terms of food security.

Gaps and Constraints: Access, including to communities in Pateros being targeted by current HEB distributions, remains challenging in many areas due to flood waters.

Health Humanitarian Needs: Initial assessments by the NGO, CFSI, identified a high level of anxiety and insecurity among flood affected groups in evacuation centres, in part due to uncertainties around questions of return. Lack of participation by flood affected communities in relief distribution and management evacuation centres has also been identified as a potentially aggravating factor. Immediate provision of psychosocial support has been recommended.

Nutrition Humanitarian Needs: Support for good breastfeeding practices, control of the distribution of breast-milk substitutes and provision of support for the small percentage of infants that are exclusively formula fed.

Humanitarian Response: Small-scale volunteer assistance now being provided in some evacuation centres, including providing support to breastfeeding mothers, wet nurses and donations of expressed breast milk. An orientation for key breastfeeding counsellors from National Capital Region (NCR) is planned for 6 October. The cluster is in the process of identifying appropriate supplies to support mothers who have chosen to exclusively formula feed their babies.

Gaps and constraints: Continuing need for information from Region IV-A and location/mapping of evacuation centres. Funding is urgently needed to support the Department of Health and NGOs to provide assistance needed to breastfed and to prevent the displacement of breastfeeding through indiscriminate distribution of infant formula and milk powder.

Emergency Telecommunications Humanitarian Response: ETC cluster partners (WFP and TSF) joined UNDAC team carrying out assessment of areas of Northern Luzon affected by Typhoon Parma. Initial ETC equipment has now arrived from Dubai (repeaters, emergency power supplies and basic IT equipment) and is currently awaiting clearance. Telecoms Sans Frontieres’s call centre in Pasig City is now operational, providing services to the Humanitarian Hub at NDCC. Ethernet connectivity from the Humanitarian operations centre to NDCC implemented this weekend by TSF and WFP, enabling BGAN to be redeployed or held on standby.Ericsson has offered to provide 2 engineers to support deployment of security communications equipment in Manila and other affected areas.

Gaps and Constraints: Reports from NDCC and Ericsson confirm that 95% of cellular coverage in affected regions is now operational; the remainder is due to be online shortly. Internet services are yet to be re- established in some areas; ISPs are re-establishing themselves. EDGE/3G is now coming back online. VHF repeater coverage in north of Metro Manila is limited. Wide-area repeater coverage is limited in Region IV-A.

Next steps: Assessment of telecommunications gaps is ongoing. Cluster is making preparations to respond to needs in northern Luzon following Typhoon Parma as required. Once cleared, equipment from Dubai will be used to improve repeater coverage in Metro Manila and other affected areas. Cluster will continue to liaise with NDCC to identify further call centre requirements for potential TSF deployments.

Logistics Humanitarian Response: Customs clearance procedures are being put in place for all incoming humanitarian air shipments; it is hoped that a “one stop shop” representing customs, DFA, NDCC, DSWD and other agencies will be in place by 5 October. An 8-person DHL team has arrived in Manila, and has put in place common warehousing facilities with a commodity tracking system. 2 WFP staff are participating in the UNDAC-led needs assessments in Cagayan and Isabella provinces following Typhoon Parma.

Next Steps: A second Logistics cluster meeting has been called for 5 October in NDCC Headquarters, Camp Aguinaldo (15:00); agenda will include an update on deployment of air assets from UNHAS and a presentation on logistics gaps and needs from NDCC. Further details will be communicated on expedited The mission of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors.

customs procedures as soon as known. The cluster’s first two helicopters are due to arrive in the Philippines by 7 October, and are expected to be operational by 11 October. A third is expected to arrive in the country between 9 and 11 October. WFP is chartering a Boeing 747 carrying some 100 MT of humanitarian aid; due to arrive in Manila on 7 October. Italy is chartering an Airbus A310 carrying 37.5 MT of humanitarian aid, due to arrive the same day.

Camp Management and Camp Coordination and NFIs Humanitarian Needs: Security in evacuation centres, particularly at night has been identified as a concern by CFSI. Affected communities are not yet participating in relief distribution and other activities in evacuation centres. Improved registration, communication and information management systems are needed in evacuation centres.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Humanitarian Needs: Improved WASH facilities and waste disposal and management continue to be priorities.

Humanitarian Response: WASH cluster met on 3 October. UNICEF is deploying dedicated resources to support DOH (government cluster lead agency) in coordinating the WASH cluster; will also support liaison with government bodies responsible for sectors including solid waste management, vector control, drainage and water, and strengthen information management and will represent the cluster in IASC meetings. The “4W” (Who? What? Where? When?) matrix developed by the global WASH cluster has been presented to cluster partners. Agencies have agreed to complete the matrix, sharing respective areas of work accordingly. A technical working group has been established to agree upon a list of standard WASH kits and items by the next meeting on 7 October.

Gaps and Constraints: Rollout of 4W depends upon development of a list of target locations by the Information Management Technical Working Group (ongoing; due to be provided by next WASH cluster meeting).

IV. Funding/Flash Appeal

The Flash Appeal has now been posted on ReliefWeb (http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/VDUX- 7WGKYE?OpenDocument). A formal launch of the appeal is scheduled for 6 October in Geneva, and will be presented in Manila the following day. The appeal will also be addressed in an all member states briefing by the ERC on natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific region in New York that same day.

An application for a rapid response grant from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) was submitted on 2 October, drawn from projects in the flash appeal, as a means of kick-starting response activities in core sectors.

AusAID on 4 October announced a pledge US$ 1.7 million (AU$ 2 million) in support WFP’s efforts to provide food assistance to flood affected communities. Pledges of varying amounts have also been made by the Asian Development Bank, ECHO, USAID, Germany, Canada and Norway. In-kind assistance has been provided or offered by Japan, U.S.A., and Thailand, while China has pledged $10,000 in bilateral financial assistance.

All humanitarian partners, including donors and recipient agencies, are encouraged to inform the Financial Tracking Service of cash and in-kind contributions by sending an email to: [email protected]

VI. Contact

Manila: Ann Kristin Brunborg Manila : Robert MacTavish Mindanao: Matthew Serventy Humanitarian Affairs Officer Humanitarian Affairs Associate Humanitarian Affairs Officer UN Coordination Office Manila UN Coordination Office Manila UN Coordination Office Cotabato Tel: +63 2 901 0265 Tel : +63 2 901 0200 ext 238 Mobile: +63 917 5878179 Mobile: +63 917 513 9924 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] The mission of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors.

IASC Coordination and Communications Center (NDCC, Camp Agilnado) Ann Kristin Brunborg, Humanitarian Affairs Officer, +63 (0)9175139924, [email protected] Maps and Information Management: John Marinos, +63(0)9173588666, [email protected] Logistics Cluster Coordinator (WFP): Bernard Kerblat, +63(0)9175942451, [email protected] Emergency Telecommunications Coordinator (WFP): John Bursa, +63(0)9175942450, [email protected]

UNDAC Team Leader Sebastian Rhodes Stampa, +63(0)9199599422, [email protected]

Flash Appeal Focal Point Shane Doherty, +63(0)9162395401, [email protected]

IASC Focal Point at NDCC Operations Center Agnes Palacio, OCHA National Disaster Response Advisor: +63917804332, [email protected]

OCHA: Bangkok: Mr.Terje Skavdal, Head of Office, OCHA Regional Office for Asia Pacific [email protected] New York: Ms. Pia Hussein, Associate Humanitarian Affairs Officer, OCHA New York [email protected] Geneva: Mr. Anvar Munavvarov, Humanitarian Affairs Officer, OCHA Geneva [email protected]

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