Philippines: Mindanao braced for typhoon
Typhoon Washi caused widespread damage last year. Typhoon Bopha is expected to be stronger.
A major typhoon is set to hit Mindanao Island in the Philippines. Our emergency team is ready to respond.
Help us to respond to emergencies as soon as they happen>>
Typhoon Bopha – known locally as Typhoon Pablo – is set to hit Mindanao Island in the Philippines tonight. Heavy rain and winds up to 230 kph are expected, and flash flooding and landslides are likely.
Last year, Typhoon Washi hit Mindanao on 16 December, and caused devastation in the west of the island, killing hundreds of people and leaving tens of thousands homeless. Much of the damage was caused by logs that were washed down Iligan River, which destroyed riverside villages and caused widespread damage in Iligan City.
Typhoon Bopha is expected to be considerably stronger, and we are extremely concerned about the impact it could have.
Ready to respond
When Washi struck, we supported our local partner Ecoweb in providing food, water, household kits and shelter to people who lost their homes. We have been in touch with Ecoweb today to ensure that they are well prepared for the current typhoon, and we’re on standby to help them respond if needed.
Dr Kate Crowley, who leads our Disaster Risk Reduction work, said:
“Over the last year, Ecoweb has worked with local government authorities to improve the way they prepare for natural disasters. For example, they’ve supported the government in setting up an emergency response unit that helps people get to safe areas when disaster strikes.
“They’ve also carried out three dimensional hazard mapping – building models of the region in order to identify the most vulnerable communities, and then implementing plans to reduce the risks. Simple things can make a big difference, like training people to farm in a way that makes landslides less likely.
“But although better early warning systems are in place, the typhoon could still cause immense damage. Thousands of people who lost their homes in Typhoon Washi are still living in tents and temporary shelters, and we’re particularly worried about the impact the typhoon could have on them. Our staff and partners are on the ground and ready to respond if needed.”
Please keep the people of Mindanao in your thoughts and prayers.
