Typhoon Mangkhut damage report and early response
16 Sep 18
Early reports are coming in of the damage wrought by Super Typhoon Mangkhut, which hit the Philippines yesterday.
So far, a total of 15,491 families have been served by evacuation centres. This represents almost 60,000 people. It is estimated that nearly 4 million people may be affected by this emergency.
The local Caritas team packs the initial relief goods for distribution to families in the evacuation centers in Ilagan, Isabela. Photo: Jing Henderson, NASSA/Caritas Philippines
In advance of the typhoon, NASSA (Caritas Philippines) deployed Rapid Assessment Teams around the areas expected to be worst affected.
Initial observations in the Diocese of Ilagan are as follows:
- Major damage to farmlands, with up to 90% of crops damaged in some areas.
- Flooding and landslides have been reported
- Electricity has been lost throughout most of Isabela.
- Many bridges have been destroyed and many roads are not passable.
- Most petrol stations, grocery stores and local markets are closed
- Water and telecommunications appear to still be available.
Hundreds of sacks of rice in Ilagan City, Isabela were soaked under the heavy rains night of September 14. Farmers were forced to harvest premature palay hoping to still use it domestically. Photo: Jing Henderson, NASSA/Caritas Philippines
Both the government and the church now are more prepared. We have been coordinating very closely with each other to assess the damages and assist the most vulnerable.
We stand with our friends in the Philippines and are closely monitoring the devastation and the response. Australians who wish to assist, can give to our Asia Emergency Appeal.