philippines Archives - GlobalMedic

Typhoon Gaemi Response

The combined effect of the existing southern monsoon and Typhoon Gaemi (Carina), has brought intense rains across the Philippines. The main island of Luzon has been heavily impacted. In Metro Manila, home to 13.5 million people, the rainfall has caused urban flooding, road closures, and significant disruptions. On July 24, the Marikina River rose to 18 meters which triggered the mandatory evacuation of many households. Widespread flooding and landslides are occurring across the island with strong winds uprooting trees and causing widespread power outages. More than 880,000 people have been affected by Typhoon Gaemi and the monsoons. More than 610,000 people have been displaced since July 18 and more than 35,000 people remain in evacuation centres. These numbers are expected to increase as more rainfall continues throughout the coming days.

GlobalMedic has a long history of responding to disasters in the Philippines including Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. One of our local partners is the Trinity Volunteer Fire Department Inc. We have worked closely with them on numerous responses such as the eruption of the Taal Volcano in 2020 and Tropical Storm Megi in 2022. GlobalMedic and our sister charity GlobalFire have worked with the department to organize donations of firefighting equipment to increase their ability to respond to emergencies.

Trinity has been actively responding to the flooding caused by Typhoon Gaemi, using equipment provided by GlobalMedic including rescue boats. They have been assisting families trapped by the flooding, allowing them to get either to an evacuation centre or other safe zone. We are continuing to support Trinity in this response and are monitoring the changing needs on the ground in order to expand relief efforts.

DONATE

Tropical Storm Megi Response 2022

On April 10, 2022 Tropical Storm Megi, known locally as Agaton, made landfall in the Philippines. The storm travelled along the eastern and southern coasts of the country causing devastating flooding and landslides. At least 2.2 million people were affected by the storm which killed 212 and displaced more than 800,000 residents. Thousands of homes were damaged, and many displaced families were not able to consistently access clean drinking water.

212 KILLED

2.2 MILLION PEOPLE AFFECTED

800,000 DISPLACED

GlobalMedic’s Rapid Response Team deployed to respond to the affects of Tropical Storm Megi. Two teams were deployed, the first to Tacloban and the second to Iloilo. Both teams carried with them AquaResponse systems, capable of purifying thousands of litres of clean drinking water per day. The teams carried three AquaResponse 3 systems and one AquaResponse10 system with them into the country. Both teams worked with local partners to install the systems at central points to provide access to water at the community level. More than 32,000 people were able to access clean drinking water as a result of the installation of these systems.

The RRT members in Tacloban worked to support families staying in displacement shelters by providing hygiene items and food. Meanwhile, the team in Iloilo conducted needs assessments in the surrounding communities identifying a major need to support with the rebuilding of damaged homes. The team worked to purchase materials and begin the rebuild of 21 homes in the area.

Philippines: Typhoon Goni and Vamco Response 2020

On November 1, 2020 Typhoon Goni made landfall in the Philippines and is the strongest typhoon to hit the country this year. Just over a week later, Typhoon Vamco made landfall becoming the fifth tropical storm to reach the country in a three week period. These storms brought destructive winds and torrential rainfall, triggering extensive flooding across multiple regions in the country.

2+ MILLION AFFECTED

5 STORMS IN 3 WEEKS

500,000 DISPLACED

Over 2 million people have been affected by severe flooding and more than 500,000 people have been displaced. Landslides and power outages are affecting many parts of the country and families have been forced into evacuation centres. GlobalMedic is responding.

Trinity Volunteer Fire Department providing water to a group of people from their fire truck

Our Response

We are packing Family Emergency Kits to distribute to families affected by the typhoons in the Philippines. The Family Emergency Kits include a water purification system, basic hygiene items, and a solar light. The water purification system is vital because many families have lost their homes and access to clean drinking water. The hygiene items are included to help families regain a sense of normalcy as well as prevent the spread of COVID-19. The solar lights provided much needed light and security since many were without electricity.

We have also been working with our local partners, the Trinity Fire Volunteer Department, to respond to emergent needs on the ground. We have helped to fund the procurement of a rescue boat and other rescue supplies which are being used to rescue those trapped by flash flooding. We are also working with them to distribute aid and assisting with the initial debris clean up.

DONATE NOW