UN Humanitarian Coordinator and donors visit flood-affected areas in northern Mindanao in the Philippines

(Manila/Bangkok, 5 March 2012): United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines,
Jacqui Badcock, and donor representatives travelled to areas severely affected by Tropical Storm Washi in Northern Mindanao 10 weeks after the crisis to draw attention to the challenges for an early and sustainable recovery.

During the two-day joint mission on 28 and 29 February, the delegation comprising representatives from Australia, Canada, Japan, Spain and USA visited Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities to meet with the mayors of both cities, local government officials, community leaders, affected people and humanitarian actors. The representatives also visited temporary and permanent relocation sites to see how humanitarian and early recovery programmes are addressing the immediate needs for shelter, food and basic social services while helping communities to rebuild their livelihoods.

“I have visited these sites several times since the flash floods occurred, and each time, I have been impressed by the progress made, be it rows of new bunkhouses built or an expansion of humanitarian services provided” said Ms. Badcock. “This is a testimony of the good collaboration between the authorities and aid agencies that has continued to strengthen over the weeks.” “The resilience of the affected people is a source of encouragement to all,” noted Ms. Badcock adding that “Many people with whom I spoke expressed a desire for work and for means of livelihood. We need more resources now to help them get back on their feet as soon as possible.”

More than 211,000 people remain displaced in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities according to the Government. The majority of the displaced are living with host families or in makeshift shelters and about 13,600 people are in 40 evacuation centers. Humanitarian agencies estimate that 69,000 people living in tents and schools serving as evacuation centers urgently need temporary shelters as they wait for the construction of permanent housing.

Finding sustainable shelter solutions poses immense protection, logistical and financial challenges. “The people in emergency tents must move into bunkhouses before the start of the next rainy season in May,” underscored Ms. Badcock. “Humanitarian needs will persist as long as thousands of people remain displaced without appropriate housing and community services.
I urge the Government to continue to intensify its efforts to make more land available for temporary shelters.”

The Philippines Humanitarian Country Team launched the revision of the flash appeal in response to the storm on 3 February. The appeal seeks US$39 million to cover the humanitarian and early recovery needs of over 624,000 people until June this year. With more than $14 million received, the appeal is 36 per cent funded with unmet requirements of $25 million.