Philippines: Assessing uncertain situation in the north as typhoon Parma loops back

NEWS | 09 October 2009

Photo: Voite Kasztabsk, MSF. MSF Staff distribute relief materials in North Luzon.

Doctors and logisticians working with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) 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 MSF teams, each with seven people, are 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.

Photo: Voite Kasztabsk, MSF. MSF staff consults a mother and examines a baby.

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. MSF teams have been focusing on harder to reach areas, such as Laguna Bay to the southeast of the city, and have been conducting mobile clinics for people who have been unable to access government health structures. In total, eight MSF doctors, sometimes travelling to areas by boat, have provided more than 800 medical consultations.

“The main pathologies are diarrhea, 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, emergency coordinator for MSF.

Photo: Voite Kasztabsk, MSF. MSF Staff distribute relief materials in North Luzon.

Although the situation has stabilized near Manila and water levels are slowly dropping, close to 340,000 people are still sheltering in more than 500 evacuation centres. Some flooded areas could take months to subside. So far MSF teams have provided more than 3,000 hygiene kits as well as equipment to improve sanitary conditions in the evacuation centres.

Meanwhile MSF has sent 22 tonnes of material to Manila, things such as blankets, jerry cans and hygiene kits. MSF teams plan to remain in the area to closely monitor the situation and respond to any developing needs.