PACIFIC DISASTER MANAGEMENT INFORMATION NETWORK (PDMIN)
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Philippines: Leyte Landslide Update

February 24, 2006

New information has been highlighted in red

Situation Overview

A landslide struck the village of Guinsaugon (estimated population at least 1,400) on Friday (February 17), near the town of St. Bernard in South Leyte province, in the eastern Visayas region. The landslide struck approximately 10:00 am local time (02:00 GMT). A second landslide occurred later that day at about 10:00pm (22:00 GMT), resulting in the evacuation of 11 households as a preventative measure. As of the latest reports from the Philippines National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), there are a total of some 973 missing, 139 dead (40 were identified), 22 injured and 560 survivors. Latest NDCC update is listing 691 families, comprising about 2,981 people, as affected for the worst-hit Guinsaugon village, up from 450 families reported on Wednesday (February 22). (Feb-24, St. Bernard Operations Center, NDCC, PDCC. DOH). Some 3,741 families, comprising about 18,235 individuals in 16 barangays (village districts) of St. Bernard, have been affected. More than 691 families (3,314 individuals) from these barangays have been evacuated to designated evacuation centers (Feb-24, St. Bernard Operations Center, NDCC). A total of 1,580 survivors are staying at St. Bernard Central Elementary School, 648 survivors at Christo Rey High School, 384 survivors at UCCP Evacuation Center, 533 survivors at Catmon Elementray School, 169 survivors at Iglesia ni Kristo and 36 individuals at St. Bernard Parish Church. (Feb-24, St. Bernard Operations Center, NDCC). Evacuees at the two evacuation centers in Carnaga and Panyan do not stay overnight at these sites as most people prefer to go back to their homes at night which are in close proximity to the centers. (Feb-22, COE) The village of Guinsaugon, as the worst affected with 281 houses and 1 school building buried. Philippine authorities estimate overall damage to infrastructure and agriculture to be around US$2.22 million. (Feb-23, RDCC) Overcrowding at the evacuation centers continues to be biggest concern, compounded by poor water/sanitation facilities. (Feb-22, NDCC)

The Philippine Geosciences Bureau estimates the landslide is 4 meters deep and covers an area of approximately 3 square kilometers (1.15 square miles). The NDCC reports that the landslide was up to 30 feet (9 meters) in some places. The landslide was induced by heavy rainfall, as Southern Leyte had received rainfall about four times more than normal this month. The landslides have blocked the tributaries of a major river, which could cause flooding in nearby areas. (Feb-18, OCHA). Three minor landslides were reported in other municipalities of Southern Leyte: Barangay Gawisan, Maasin City, Barangay Panocho Villa, Sogod and barangay Bugasong, Libagon. (Feb-22, NDCC)

Provincial Governor Rosette Lerias, after consultation with disaster experts, has called off the search and rescue phase of the disaster. Attention is now being shifted to recovery and rehabilitation activities. (Feb-24, AP) The Philippine government has not formally requested any international assistance, but welcomes international assistance. (Feb-18, OCHA)

The Government of the Philippines (GOP) is prioritizing ongoing relief and recovery operations and emergency relief for the victims as well as those evacuated from neighboring villages who are currently residing in evacuation centers. The results of the Office of Civil Defense-led assessment carried out on Saturday (February 18) indicate some 15,000 people (3,000 households) from surrounding villages may need to be evacuated as a preventive measure in the coming days. Priority needs as outlined in the assessment include food packages for a total of 3,900 households (900 families within evacuation centers and 3,000 families outside of evacuation centers). Water needs include 1,050,000 liters of clean water. Additional shelter for 3,000 families that may have to be relocated as a precautionary measure would also be needed. Health needs include 2 personnel for communicable disease surveillance; 10 public health doctors, three health services outposts for outpatient care and vaccinations. Food and water requirements for rescue workers and volunteer are in addition. (Feb-20, OCHA)

Roads are generally passable for all types of vehicles up to 16 tons, but with cautions for slippage and landslides. Philippines military has deployed 10 M-16 trucks (6x6) plying Tacloban – St, Bernard. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has deployed 2 dump trucks on site. (Feb-20, NDCC).

According to the NDCC, a no-fly zone was established over the site because of fears that helicopter “downwash” could trigger fresh landslides. Tacloban airport is showing congestion. Mactan airbase has more ramp space and warehouse capacities. Maasin airport has 1200x30 ms gravel-based surface, not suitable for C-130. Mactan airbase is designated to be staging area to ply to forward post of Tacloban airport. Helicopter air bridge of Tacloban--St. Bernard (40 minutes by helos vs 6-8 hours by land). Maasin airport is designated for lighter planes. (Feb-20, NDCC). Rescue efforts are hampered by continuous rains and the threat of additional landslides. Unstable ground has impeded the movement of heavy machinery, and rescuers have to dig manually. In addition, the absence of lights has led to the suspension of rescue at night. (Feb-17, NDCC).

A new Operations Center will be stood up tomorrow in a tent provided by the USMC in order to separate the ops center from the media center. PDCC requested UNDAC to serve initially as deputy to support the establishment of the center. This position will transition to an NGO representative when UNDAC redeploys. In addition TSF will serve as the technical advisor to the Municipal Information Officer in the creation of the database to track goods, inventory and distribution. (Feb-23, COE)

An integrated assessment mission comprised of representatives of the following agencies began site visits to the evacuation centers to ascertain outstanding needs and begin detailed planning for the new logistic supply management concept approved by the new PDCC representatives this morning (see attachment to 22 Feb update): USAID, AUSAID, ICRC, Philippine Red Cross, UNDAC, OXFAM, Plan International and the US Marine Corps. The assessments will continue tomorrow.

According to the NDCC, as of Tuesday (February 21) weather in St. Bernard, Leyte as of 0600 is partly cloudy with no rain. There have been some reports of intermittent rains from various media outlets. (Feb-21, NDCC) The remote coastal area of Southern Leyte is located about 2.5 hours southeast of the capital of Manila and is heavily forested with coconut trees that have shallow roots, which can be easily dislodged after heavy rains. (Feb-17, AFP) Flood warnings have been issued for the neighboring Caraga Region in northeastern Mindanao as well.

Earlier this week, Philippine officials warned of continuing heavy rains until May due to an abnormally wet northeast monsoon in the country’s eastern seaboard, possibly from a nascent “La Nina” weather phenomenon. Although a greater number of storms is not expected during the northeast monsoon, which runs from December to May, heavy rains are expected to occur closer to land in areas unused to high precipitation, causing more damage. Heavy rains along the eastern Visayas and eastern Mindanao region to the south claimed at least 20 lives in the past week. More than 700 people were killed in the eastern coasts of northern Luzon region in late 2004, following unusually heavy rains and a string of storms. In parallel with the relief efforts, the Government plans to intensify disaster preparedness in the surrounding areas and other regions vulnerable to landslide and flood during heavy rains. (Feb-19, OCHA)

Security: According to media reports, communist guerillas in the central Philippines said Sunday (February 19) that they would not attack US troops involved in landslide humanitarian work on Leyte, as long as they stayed within the disaster area. However, the rebels warned that US troops would be “hit” if they strayed. “Any American provocateur caught straying into rebel zones will be hit,” Ka Roger, spokesperson for the Communist Part y of the Philippines and its military wing the New People’s Army (NPA) said in a statement. He said the NPA operates in a number of “controlled” areas on Leyte. The 8,000 strong NPA has been waging a 37-year-old insurgency. (Feb-19, AFP, INQ7.net). There has been no further confirmation of Sunday’s report by AFP published in the Philippines Daily Inquirer attributed to the NPA.

Main Statistics
Estimated death toll	973 missing as of Wednesday (Feb-24)
Bodies recovered	139 (40 identified)
Survivors	560
Population of affected area(s):	Between 1,500 to 2,000 people in St. Bernard municipality, Southern Leyte province Up to 1,860+ in worst affected Guinsaugon village

Aid Requests

The Government of the Philippines (GOP) has not issued a formal appeal for international assistance, but is welcoming any assistance given. (Feb-18, OCHA)

According to the NDCC, water, blankets, food and medicine needed for more than 1,600 people from affected villages. Rubber boots and earth moving equipment are needed for relief and recovery operations. (Feb-21, USAID)

UN OCHA says that there appears to be emerging consensus that there are adequate relief supplies in the pipeline, but strengthening of the logistics system is required. (Feb-22, OCHA)

The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council in Southern Leyte has indicated following needs for immediate relief:

· Food Items: 500 sacks of rice, 500 cases of canned food, 250 boxes of noodles, 12,000 liters of bottled drinking water, 15 bottles of coffee (30 grams), 15 boxes of Milo (200 grams) and compact foods.

· Non Food Items: 3,000 hygiene kits (towels, toothbrushes, and toothpaste), 500 bars of family size bath soap, and 500 bars of laundry soap.

· Kitchen Utensils: plastic plates, forks, spoons, glasses.

· Bedding: mosquito nets, blankets mats and beds.

· Medical Supplies: body bags, masks, disinfectant, essential medicine and chlorine.

· Shelter: tarpaulins.

· Search and Rescue assets: generators, ambulances, bulldozers, and fork lifts.

· Human Resources: social workers, medical doctors and rescue personnel. (Feb-19, OCHA)

Assistance

International:

United Nations

UNDAC recommends to wind down rescue operations as the current methodology will not achieve much. UNDAC recommendation is to ask all team leaders to sit down and look at the operation logically as to what they can achieve in the next two days. (Feb-22, COE) UNDAC says that while rescue operations are winding down, emergency relief operations in evacuation centers is increasing. (Feb-23, COE)

UN Country Team (UNCT) has developed 10-point action plan for supporting GOP with developing strategies for early recovery, enhanced preparedness and long-term risk reduction. (Feb-23, OCHA)

A 6-member UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) Team was deployed to support the Government, the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team for assessment and coordination, including civil military coordination. Some members have been deployed to assist the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and the UN Resident Coordinator. (Feb-19, OCHA) UNDAC has been requested by PDCC to serve as deputy to support establishment of new Operations Center. (Feb-23, COE) Telecoms Sans Frontieres (TSF) has deployed a two-person team to help support the UNDAC Team in developing database to track goods, inventory and distribution. UNDAC prepared to provide computers for database. (Feb-23, COE) UNDAC, including the World Health Organization (WHO), will organize cluster meetings including interested NGOs and local authorities, and publish a schedule of meetings. UNDAC is working with PDCC and local authorities to determine technical assistance required to help facilitate emergency logistics system and plans to initiate an inter-agency “re-assessment” of the sites using consolidated baseline data (being developed).

UNICEF is providing health kits and essential medicines for 10,000 people. UNICEF plans to deploy two field officers to the site to assist and advise on child protection and water sanitation issues. These staff will work closely with UNDAC team members. (Feb-20, OCHA) UNICEF will send a second relief team with medical staff and pre-packed relief kits for 1,400 evacuated families. The kits contain mosquito nets, blankets, mats, kitchen utensils, dinnerware and water jugs. Meanwhile, UNICEF is working with local authorities to restart educational programs for the 800 school children from the landslide-affected communities. (Feb-20, UNICEF) UNICEF warned on Thursday (February 23) that human traffickers could prey on survivors. UNICEF said that about 87 of the approximately 600 survivors have lost one or both parents. UNICEF has recorded 30 orphaned children. (Feb-23, OCHA) Leyte, one of the poorest regions in the Philippines, is a known transit point for trafficked children. (Feb-23, AFP) UNICEF appealed for aid for some 3,000 other people who have fled their homes in small nearby island of Panaon after three-meter (9.8-feet) cracks appeared on mountain slopes. Food for the IDPs is estimated to last for one week, and the medicine supply is low. (Feb-23, AFP)

UN OCHA will release a US$50,000 emergency grant; UNDP has mobilized another US$100,000 for immediate response. (Feb-18, OCHA)

Foreign Governments

GOP says that as of February 23, they have received some P130,724,670 (US$2.5 million) in cash and in-kind contributions from international donations (foreign countries, international organizations, and private individuals/companies). (Feb-23, GOP)

Australia has pledged US$740,000 (A$1 million) for immediate relief and medical assistance to be made available to the Philippines Red Cross Society and other relief agencies. (Feb-18, OCHA) Australia has also pledged to send a five-member team of engineers to assist with damage assessment and reconstruction in the landslide-affected areas. (Feb-20, INQ7)

China: On Monday (February 20), the Chinese government turned over US$248,000 to the Philippine’s Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for the landslide victims in Southern Leyte. In addition to this money, the Chinese government has pledged US$750,000 of material goods for the landslide victims. (Feb-20, INQ7)

Germany: Staff from the German Agency for Technical Cooperation (GTZ) providing drinking water and other assistance. GTZ was already present on Leyte before disaster struck. Germany has provided an initial 50,000 euros. (Feb-20, GOG)

India has sent 34 tons of relief supplies. (Feb-22, Times of India)

Indonesia: On Tuesday (February 21), a contingent of Indonesian soldiers, including a 28-person medical team, left for southern Leyte to assist in the humanitarian mission to last a period of about a month. Relief aid, including food and medicine and several operational vehicles, are being transported with the contingent. (Feb-21, INQ7) The contingent arrived Thursday (Feb-22) with a total of 43 engineers, doctors and psychologists. (Feb-22, COE, OCHA)

Japanese government has agreed to donate emergency supplies, equipment in kind worth US$211,000 (25 million yen) (Feb-18, OCHA) and the services of Japan’s Disaster Response Team (Feb-19). On Tuesday (February 21), the Japanese Embassy distributed 12 tons of emergency relief assistance to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the landslide victims in southern Leyte. (Feb-21, INQ7) In response to a request by the GOP, two disaster experts from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have been dispatched to work with officials to study and weigh the risk of secondary disasters in restoration and victim-support activities on February 22-24. (Feb-21, GOJ) JICA has sent supplies from its emergency relief warehouse in Singapore, including tents, water tanks and generators. (Feb-21, JICA) JFE steel corp. of Japan has donated P1 million. (US$19,000) (Feb-23, GOP)

Malaysia: Some 67 Malaysians from five government agencies involved in search and retrieval. (Feb-23, INQ7.net)

New Zealand has pledged US$200,000 in response to the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) appeal for US$1.52 million to aid in operations in southern Leyte. (Feb-20, GoNZ)

OPEC Fund for International Development has approved a grant for US$150,000 for relief supplies. (Feb-23, OCHA)

Singapore has provided search and rescue helicopters (Feb-18, OCHA) Combined, the Singapore government and the Singapore Red Cross have sent US$90,000 in cash and relief supplies; medicine, food, blankets, tents and other materials. (Feb-21, ChannelNewsAsia)

South Korea: The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) delivered US$500,000 to the GOP as part of US$1 million in aid promised to Manila. The remaining aid will include some US$100,000 worth of relief goods. (Feb-23, Korea Herald, GORK) Hyundai Motor Corp has donated P5 million (US$96,000) and Kia Motor Corp. has also donated P5 million (US$96,000). (Feb-23, GOP)

Spain: On Monday (February 20), the Spanish government sent a team from Spain’s canine association with three search dogs left for disaster zone. Another two search dogs are scheduled to arrive on Tuesday (February 21). Spanish SAR team will cease operations and return home tomorrow (Friday, February 24) (Feb-23, COE) The Spanish NGO, Unidad Canina de Rescate y Salvamento, is providing the 6-man team with 5 K-9s to assist in search and rescue operations. (Feb-20, INQ7)

Taiwan has pledged US$100,000 for relief efforts. Medical emergency kits for the use of 3,000 people for one and a half months are also being sent. (INQ7, Feb-18) A Taiwanese rescue team equipped with heat and movement sensing equipment is at the site to assist in search and retrieval operations with an additional 33-man rescue team also on site. (Feb-19, OCHA)

Thailand said it would donate US$100,000 in aid. (Feb-19, INQ7express) President Arroyo has received donations worth 14 million pesos (US$268,000) from the Thai embassy, Han Jin construction co. and Metrobank. (Feb-22, INQ7.net)

Turkey has sent a nine-member GEA Search and Rescue (SAR) Team comprised of three doctors, two nurses, one paramedic, and three Search and Rescue members. (Feb-21, VOC)

United States: The US received a request for helicopter support from the Philippine Red Cross, and two ships, the USS Essex and the USS Harper's Ferry, were initially sent in response to a government request. The ships are carrying helicopters and Marines from the US Marine Corp’s 31^st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). The two ships, along with the USS Curtis Wilbur are stationed off the coast of Leyte and 1,630 marines and 16 helicopters from the MEU are engaged in search and recovery operations along with elements of Joint task Force (JTF) Balikatan. The Philippines Disaster Relief Command Center at Cebu has been designated a Combined Support Group, and serves as focal point for coordination. (Feb-21, US DOS, USAID) The US has turned over US$100,000 worth of disaster equipment to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC). (Feb-21, US DOS) The Pentagon said that troops that were participating in the annual “Balikatan” military exercises in the country were also available to help, as well as troops from military bases around the Pacific region. There are 6,000 US troops participating in the Balikatan exercise. A team of five US Army Corp of Engineers arrived in southern Leyte to assist in landslide-affected areas. (Feb-21, INQ7) JTF Balikatan 2006 has supplied relief supplies and support as well as ground and air transportation. US and Philippine forces are coordinating with public health officials to monitor the public health status in the area. The use of a 2-ton rotary drill capable of digging up to 60 meters deep is being postponed pending a minor repair. (Feb-22, AFPS) A US Chinook helicopter rescued 7 members of Taiwan’s rescue team after they became trapped in mud. (Feb-24, AFP)

PDCC has requested the US Military to assist with the following:

- help with the inventory of the warehouse

- provide a tent for the Operations Center

- build temporary latrines at evacuation centers to bring them in line with standards.

- consider assisting with the construction of a temporary evacuation center which would help enable evacuee occupied schools (particularly Chirsto Rey) begin classes. This could be done in partnership with NGOs. (Feb-22, COE)

The U.S. has authorized the Philippine Red Cross to use approximately $50,000 of emergency relief funds already granted to the Red Cross from an earlier disaster as well as protective masks for rescue workers, plastic sheeting, and body bags donated by the U.S. Government in response to previous disasters.

The U.S. Embassy is also coordinating with USAID's Asia Regional Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) to seek additional funds for relief assistance as quickly as possible. USAID has donated US$100,000 to the PNRC. USAID has also airlifted relief supplies from stockpiles in Miami and Dubai. An OFDA disaster expert based in Bangkok traveled to Leyte. A US Liaison officer is in place with the NDCC. The US Department of State says that specific requests by the GOP for generators and lighting is being provided by USS Essex and USS Harper’s Ferry. A USAID/OFDA Military Liaison Officer is at US PACOM in Honolulu to coordinate USG response with PACOM. (Feb-21, US DOS, USAID)

US Embassy, Joint US Military Assistance Group in the Philippines (JUSMAG), and USAID/Philippines is coordinating with NDCC in Manila. (Feb-21, USAID)

IOs, NGOs

An Interagency Coordination Group for international and national partners has been established and is working relatively well. Sectoral working groups currently making assessments and recommendations to GOP. (Feb-23, OCHA) On Tuesday (February 21) a spontaneous logistics sector meeting was organized by NGOs distributing relief assistance to discuss current relief systems. The meeting was attended by World Vision, Action contre la Faim, Plan International, Oxfam, Red Cross (PNRC and ICRC). (Feb-22, VOSOCC)

A team of about seven people from the Association of Medical Doctors of Asia (AMDA) is scheduled to arrive in St. Bernard on Monday (February 20) and begin going over the evacuation centers in St. Bernard. (Feb-20, AMDA) AMDA ER team visited Anahawan district hospital, St. Bernard Health and Family Planning Center, evacuation center at Christo Rey Regional High School, and contributed medicines and medical supplies. (Feb-22 and 23, AMDA)

CARE is conducting an assessment and exploring resources, focusing on second wave of activity. (Feb-21, COE)

Caritas is on the ground to help in the relief effort (Feb-17, Caritas) The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace has pledged US$50,000 in emergency fund to landslide victims in southern Leyte, to be sent through NASSA—Caritas Philippines, Development and Peace partner. (Feb-20, DandP)

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is working closely with the National Secretariat for Social Action, Justice, and Peace (NASSA)/Caritas Philippines and has authorized an Initial US$10,000 to assist with the provision of immediate needs.

Christian Blind Mission (CBM) reports that a team collaborating with mental health partner Operation Compassion will visit the disaster area in early March to evaluate whether psychosocial rehabilitation is required. (Feb-21, CBM)

Community and Family Services International (CFSI) has assigned a disaster response team to southern Leyte to provide a rapid appraisal of the situation, to provide immediate psychosocial support for survivors and first responders, assist local government in disaster prevention and mitigation effort in the area, and promote protection and participation in the evacuation centers. (Feb-21, CFSI)

Church World Service (CWS) says it is prepared to support efforts by the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), through an ACT appeal. (Feb-21, CWS)

Direct Relief International sent an emergency shipment consisting of a Johnson & Johnson disaster module and other supplies on Monday (February 20). Staff have been working with the NDCC and Rotary clubs in Ormog, Leyte and on neighboring Cebu island. Local Rotarians will oversee delivery and distribution of relief supplies to evacuation sites and provide assessments. (Feb-21, DRI)

International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC): IFRC has appealed for US$1.52 million dollars to fund aid operations; US$150,000 additional assistance released immediately. Relief plane w/ 1,000 body bags, emergency kits for 1,000 people, rubber boots, ropes, clothing, flashlights and medicine sent. IFRC supporting PNRC with tracing team for missing family members and forensic expert for body identification. (Feb-23, OCHA)

The British Red Cross says it has released US$153,000 from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund to provide assistance to the victims of the landslide in southern Leyte. (Feb-17, BRC)

The Japanese Red Cross says it will provide US$254,000 in emergency relief goods, including blankets, cooking utensils, and sanitary and health products, to victims of the landslide in southern Leyte. (Feb-20, INQ7)

New Zealand Red Cross (NZRC) has released US$25,000 from its Disaster Relief Emergency Fund as initial contribution. (Feb-20, NZRC)

OXFAM will focus on immediate gap filling, as well as long-term if necessary. Current operations include providing hygiene kits to people who lost homes and local institutions. Within the next day will begin to conduct water/sanitation testing at evacuation sites. (Feb-21, COE) OXFAM providing water pails for evacuee families. (Feb-23, OCHA)

Plan International providing water tanks at evacuation centers. (Feb-23, OCHA)

The Save the Children’s (SC) Program Office in Western Visayas, Philippines has a team conducting a rapid assessment of the area and plans to work with other non-governmental and government agencies on the ground, to assist the children and families affected by the landslide. The group has appealed for US$480,000 in donations to support its efforts. (Feb-20, Save the Children) SC is also working with other NGOs and the government to provide basic necessities, including food, water, personal sanitation items, and clothing at evacuation centers. SC is also preparing safe play areas for children, which make up about one-third of the 2,100 people in evacuation centers. (Feb-23, SC)

The Singapore Red Cross says it will donate US$60,000 to the Philippine Red Cross through IFRC relief effort. (Feb-20, Govt Sing)

SOS Kinderdorf International has set up social centers which are the focus of relief distributions of water, food, clothing and other basic needs. SOS has two Children’s Villages in the province next to the disaster area that were not hit by the landslide, which are also participating in the relief effort. Discussions are taking place for possible long-term relief. (Feb-12, SOS)

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) anticipates working with partners in the area, including the Manila, Davao, and Baguio Episcopal areas of the United Methodist Church in the Philippines. (Feb-17, UMCOR)

On Sunday (February 19) a Telecoms Sans Frontieres (TSF) team of logisticians from its Asia base in Bangkok arrived in St. Bernard with satellite communication facilities such as Bgan and RbGan data transmitters, satellite phones and fax equipment to coordinate with the National Coordinating Council and UN crews. (Feb-17-19, VOC)

World Vision International (WVI) has three relief teams working with local project partners on Leyte. WVI says its teams have been asked by the GOP to purchase and supply food and other relief items. (Feb-21, WVI) WV Philippines has sent a child protection coordinator and health coordinator to the disaster area. (Feb-22, WVI)

Domestic

Philippine government

Philippines President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo visited the site of the disaster and instructed GOP agencies to begin rehabilitating the survivors. She also requested an aerial assessment of the dangers of another landslide in the area. (Feb-22, INQ7.net, BBC)

According to OCHA, the GOP is emphasizing that it is still pursuing rescue efforts. The NDCC reports that there are currently 1,185 people onsite from national and international organizations. (Feb-22, OCHA)

GOP has allocated additional space to stockpile and warehouse items both in Tacloban and Cebu so as to take pressure off warehouses in St. Bernard. (Feb-22, OCHA)

The receipt and tracking of relief goods is managed by DSWD. There are two warehouses in San Bernard: one at the DSWD municipal center and another run by the PNRC. UNDAC expected to explore with local officials what type of technical expertise needed to facilitate logistics. (Feb-21, COE)

The Department of Health reports that there are sufficient supplies of medicines to address the needs of the affected population. According to OCHA, reassessments of existing evacuation centers will be undertaken to determine outstanding needs. (Feb-21, OCHA) Government-led Operation Center for Health has conducted population census in all evacuation centers, and is monitoring disease outbreak and health measures. Pacific Inter-Local Health Zone (ILHZ) coordinating with LGUs and NGOs for health data collection and disseminations. Local health officials conducting disinfection activities in evacuation centers. (Feb-23, Operation Center for Health)

DSWD facilitated airlift of P1 million worth of assorted relief supplies from the National Resource Operations Center (NROC) thru PAF C-130. (Feb-21, OCD)

DSWD-FO VIII purchased other emergency needs (toiletries, clothes) for the evacuees. (Feb-21, OCD)

GOP has deployed 2 search and rescue vessels, 2 navy vessels that also serve as hospital platforms, 2 C-130 airplanes, 5 helicopters and 2 generators. (Feb-19, OCHA)

Five helicopters from the 505^th Squadron of Philippine Airforce are conducting search and rescue (SAR) operations since Friday (February 17). (Feb-20, NDCC) Two C-130 planes also sent.

43rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army are present in the area conducting rescue/retrieval and relief. Battalion Commander, COL Raul Farnacio, serves as the Incident Commander to ensure coordinated response operations. (Feb-17, NDCC)

The National Resource Center (NROC) has been set up by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Pasay city. The NROC has been functioning as DSWD Operations Center to facilitate processing of donations and coordinating all efforts of member agencies of the National Committee on Disaster Response and other private efforts. (Feb-18, OCHA)

DSWD has already distributed 600 family food packs with additional 1,500 family food packs and 2,500 clothing packs on standby. Department of Health (DOH) has provided 116 body bags and other burial supplies, in addition to 10-person trauma team. (Feb-18, OCHA)

DSWD has provided earth-moving equipment, such as payloads, backhoes and bulldozers, which have made Saint Bernard town accessible. (Feb-18, OCHA)

The government has set up a forensics center to identify bodies through fingerprints and dental records. (Feb-24, AFP)

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine Institute of Vulcanology have fielded geo-science personnel to assess hazards in the area in efforts to enhance preparedness and early warning for other areas vulnerable to landslides. (Feb-19, OCHA) Philippine mining department has deployed 5 geologists to assess the site and surrounding areas to identify risks and safe areas for evacuation or relocation. (Feb-21, ADPC)

Local NGOs

Philippine National Red Cross Society (PNRC) has deployed 70 personnel, including an assessment team, health teams, two dog teams and personnel to provide psycho-social and communications assistance. They have also provided two generators sets and a water dally which were transported to the site today along with assorted vehicles, including ambulances, 16 sacks of rice and Php 70,000.00 worth of canned goods. (Feb-19, OCHA) PNRC fundraising director, Gwen Pang says the Red Cross is now accepting donations in cash, clothes, blankets, and medicines. Pang requested medicine donations specifically for “fever, flu, coughs, and colds…later we might need medicines for skin diseases.” (Feb-20, INQ7)

PNRC has provided 100 family tents, 300 blankets, 5 cartons of water purification tablets and 700 body bags. Additional 26,000 lbs of medical supplies sent as well. IFRC has provided emergency grant of CHF 200,000 to the PRNC for emergency relief.

PNRC is working to put surviving family members in contact through a tracing program. Two plane loads of relief supplies have also been delivered to the region.

The International Federation of the Red Cross provided an emergency grant of CHF 200,000 to the Philippines National Red Cross Society for emergency relief supplies. The International Federation of the Red Cross has also launched an emergency appeal for (US$1.52 million) CHF 2 million. (Feb-19, OCHA)

Action by Churches Together (ACT) reports that the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) is coordinating with the United Church of Christ of the Philippines (UCCP) for emergency response. A team will also be dispatched to conduct needs assessment particularly on rehabilitation assistance. (Feb-21, ACT)

National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), a member of Action By Churches Together (ACT) network is shipping items it has in its warehouse, including bottled water, blankets, plastic sheets. (Feb-21, CWS)

Officials of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry says they will be donating five school buildings worth some p2 million (US$39,000). The group will also give cash assistance worth p1000 (US$20) for each of the 410 identified survivors. (Feb-21, INQ7.net)

Local aid group Maayo, doing search and retrieval at site of buried schoolhouse. (Feb-19, BBC)

Philam Fellowship of the Assembly of God – to provide canned goods, blankets, clothes and medicines (Feb-19)

Private organizations are extending their support by sending donations such as food items, water and medicines (NDCC)