PHILRADS responds to Siargao; Help still needed

Last December 14, the center of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Odette was seen at around 890 km East of Mindanao. The following day, it intensified into a Typhoon as it moved Westward over the Philippine Sea East of Mindanao.

On December 16, Typhoon Odette became stronger as it made its first landfall in Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte at 1:30pm. The regions of CARAGA, Central Visayas, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Southern Leyte, and Negros Occidental experienced the heaviest rainfall.

After having a total of nine (9) landfalls, the Super Typhoon Rai (Odette) exited the Philippine zone of responsibility at 12:40 PM, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

As of January 02, 2022, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has reported a total of 788,632 people who pre-emptively evacuated.

The death toll has risen to 407, while 78 are reported missing and 1147 injured. Damage to agriculture is estimated at 7.6B.

Over 6.2 million people have been affected across 10 regions, according to the UN Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

On December 19, 2021, the Rapid Assessment Team were able to secure two slots in Philippine Coast Guard “Gabriela Silang’ ship on their Task Force Kalinga going to Surigao Del Norte. They traveled for two days from Manila North Harbor port together with a small contingent from International Organization for Migration (IOM), a non-government organization.

The team arrived in Surigao Del Norte on December 21 and met with the PDRRM officer of Surigao City Engr. Marilyn E. Pono and Vice Governor Eddie Degokiangkee Jr, who provided the updates in the area.

They identified the top 3 most affected municipality/city in the mainland as:

1) Gigaquit with 6, 600 families in 4 Barangays who are still in the evacuation centers;
2) Surigao City with 5, 159 families in 33 Barangays; and Bacuag with 3, 420 families in 5 Barangays.

For Siargao Island, the top 3 most affected are:
1) General Luna with 649 families in 9 Barangays
2) Dapa with 857 families in 20 Barangays and
3) Pilar with 532 families in 11 Barangays.

With families staying in the evacuation centers, families trying to recover what could still be salvaged from damaged houses, and families trying to find ways to start possible sources of income after the destructions brought about by the typhoon, there is an immediate need for food items to complement the initiatives of the local government units and DSWD in the areas affected.

Upcoming response

While PHILRADS is initially conducting relief based on the top needs, PHILRADS will also conduct livelihood projects to help in rehabilitation.

The need is still great. Your help will go a long way in rebuilding the lives of our fellows in Surigao Del Norte. Click the DONATE button below to help.