UN humanitarian chief arrives in the Philippines to follow-up response to storm disaster

(Manila/New York, 12 October 2009): United Nations Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes arrived in the Philippines today on a two-day mission to see first-hand the strong emergency response to tropical storm Ketsana and typhoon Parma.

Mr. Holmes met senior government representatives, including President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, cabinet secretaries, the chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, and the Humanitarian Country Team. He also visited some of the flood-affected areas in Pasig City, where he was able to meet families living in evacuation centres as well as others still living in flooded areas.

At his meeting with President Arroyo, Mr. Holmes expressed his personal sympathy for the more than 6 million people who have been affected by the storms, and conveyed his condolences to the Government and families of the more than 500 people who lost their lives.

"This is a major crisis, and a major tragedy for so many people. UN agencies and non-governmental organizations are glad to be able to help the Government's relief efforts," said Mr. Holmes.

Mr. Holmes noted the excellent response to the disaster by the Government of the Philippines, especially the extensive search and rescue operations and the quick release of emergency relief supplies. "Our cooperation has been exemplary so far, and we are determined to work together even more closely as the relief operations continue and early recovery operations start," Mr. Homes added.

Tropical storm Ketsana made landfall in the Philippines on 26 September, causing severe flooding in the northern and southern parts of the country, including the capital, Manila. As of 12 October Ketsana had affected over 4 million people and caused widespread flooding. Over 300 people have been confirmed dead, and 37 are still missing.

One week into the relief effort following Ketsana, typhoon Parma made landfall in northern Luzon, affecting another 2.3 million people, with 199 confirmed deaths and more than 100,000 sheltering in almost 300 evacuation centres. Crop damage from the successive storms is estimated at more than US$160 million.

The UN Flash Appeal for US$74 million to support government efforts to address the humanitarian needs of those affected has so far attracted $14.2 million in funding - 19 percent of the total amount requested.

For further information, please call:

OCHA-New York:

Stephanie Bunker, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 347 244 2106, bunker@un.org;
Nicholas Reader, +1 212 963 4961, mobile +1 646 752 3117, reader@un.org,
John Nyaga +1 917 367 9262, +1 917 318 8917, nyagaj@un.org

OCHA-Geneva: Elisabeth Byrs, +41 22 917 2653, mobile +41 79 473 4570, byrs@un.org

OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int