Mindanao floods in the Philippines
People Helped
Humanitarian Needs
On Feb 3-4, 2024, a large portion of the island of Mindanao in the Philippines was submerged in flooding due to heavy rains caused by the trough of a low-pressure area as well as the northeast monsoon.
According to government reports, over 1.1 million people were affected throughout 5 regions, 13 provinces, 67 cities and municipalities. Amongst them, over 650,000 have been displaced.
The floods caused thousands of vulnerable communities to be homeless and displaced, with livelihoods lost and disrupted and infrastructure destroyed.
Over 2,000 metric tons of crop damage (especially rice and corn) have been reported by the Department of Agriculture, which threatens the food security of local populations.
Further, prior to the flooding event, only 3 out of 5 people in Davao Del Norte had access to safely managed water supply systems. This situation was aggravated by the widespread flooding that resulted in many drinking water sources being contaminated, or damaged.
Humanitarian Response
Oxfam Pilipinas has decades of experience delivering humanitarian assistance to disaster-affected communities in different regions of the Philippines, including the worst-affected provinces by the floods.
Oxfam's response aims to increase the access to cash assistance for flood-affected families to enable them to purchase life-saving food and meet their basic needs. 1,150 families (5,750 individuals) will receive one-time cash assistance of CAD$72 per family.
Further, 500 of the most vulnerable individuals will receive one-time unconditional cash for food support amounting to CAD$48 to meet basic nutritional requirements of pregnant, lactating mothers, elderly, persons with disabilities and persons with pre-existing health issues during the emergency phase.
Another goal of Oxfam is providing access to emergency shelter and household items that contribute to ensuring physical safety and protection of the most vulnerable populations. 2,500 individuals (approximately 500 families) will be receiving sleeping kits composed of two (2) family-size blankets, two (2) extra-large sleeping mats, two (2) jumbo mosquito nets and two (2) handheld solar lamps with built-in radio will help reduce mosquito-borne diseases as well as provide warmth and protection, thus, preventing pulmonary diseases especially among children and the elderly. Cooking and kitchen essentials lost by families during the flood will likewise be replaced to support families' safe meals and food preparations.
Furthermore, Oxfam will help restore immediate access to sufficient and safe water for the most vulnerable communities by repairing and rehabilitating 10 drinking water systems benefiting over 5,000 individuals. Aside from water source construction and repair, 1,000 families will receive water kits consisting of two (2) 20-litre jerry cans with tap for water collection and clean storage and (30) thirty water treatment tablets sufficient for one month.
Lastly, Oxfam aims to improve access to gender and protection information and services for flood-affected adults, children, including persons with disabilities. This will be achieved through the provision of cash for 500 pregnant, lactating, elderly, and persons with disabilities to be able to purchase basic clothing, towels and protective footwear, which are urgent to maintain good hygiene and provide protection against cold weather and rain.
Additionally, community awareness sessions will be conducted on protection, gender, gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and rights, care work, and referral pathways.
Our response to small and medium-scale disasters is co-funded by Global Affairs Canada, the member agency delivering the assistance, and donations to the Humanitarian Coalition. Your gift will help us be ready for the next disaster. Donate today.