typhoon 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.

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Super Typhoon Rai Response 2021

On December 16, 2021 the Philippines was hit by Super Typhoon Rai. Typhoon Rai has brought destruction and hardship to some of the most vulnerable communities already suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It carried gusts up to 270 km/h with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h near the centre making it the strongest storm to make landfall in the Philippines this year. The trail of Super Typhoon Rai crossed the Philippine archipelago from Caraga to Eastern and Central Visayas and Palawan.

As of January 3, there were 407 fatalities and 1,100 injured. The storm affected 6.8 million people and at it’s peak displaced 660,000 people across nearly 2,000 evacuation centres in affected areas. Electricity was out in hundreds of municipalities and due to the severity of the storm it was estimated it may be up to three months before electricity is restored to all locations. Nearly 830,000 houses were damaged by the high winds and will require repairs before they become habitable again.

270 KM PER HOUR GUSTS

6.8 MILLION AFFECTED

660,000+ PEOPLE DISPLACED

GlobalMedic was ready to mobilize and respond to this disaster. We have put together 810 Family Emergency Kits which will provide families with essential resources. The kits contain a ceramic household water filtration unit to provide access to clean drinking water at the point of use. They also contain essential hygiene items like soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, along with oral rehydration salts. Finally, the kits contain a solar light which can be used to extend the day and provide increased security while families are displaced.

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.

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