The Central Emergengy Fund allocates close to $5 million to help people affected by earthquake in the Philippines

14 November 2013: On 15 October, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake hit Bohol province in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. Numerous buildings, roads and bridges were heavily damaged or destroyed, while 218 people were killed and another 768 injured. Eight people remain missing.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of the Philippines, 47 municipalities and one city in Bohol have been affected by the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks. More than 1.2 million people have been evacuated.

In response, the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has provided a rapid response grant of US$4,997,324 to four United Nations agencies and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The allocations are expected to benefit 217,130 people.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has received $1,801,560 to ensure access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation facilities and good hygiene practices. UNICEF will also strengthen child protection efforts and provide nutrition interventions.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has received $297,090 to prevent gender-based violence and to provide psychological counselling in evacuation centres and temporary shelters.

Through an allocation of $699135, the World Food Programme (WFP) will provide urgent and vital life-saving food assistance.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has received $799,906 to provide essential health services, including primary and secondary health care facilities.

IOM has received $1,399,633 to coordinate and manage camp and shelter support to the affected people.