ACT members prepare for Typhoon Mitag

Typhoon Mitag is gathering strength as it continues to threaten the Bicol Region of the Philippines. It is currently a category 2 typhoon with winds of 160 kph and gusts of up to 195 kph and is expected to intensify to a category 4 typhoon on Saturday, according to storm tracker website, www.tropicalstormrisk.com. ACT member Christian Aid along with its local partner organisation, COPE, have recently completed a rehabilitation and reconstruction programme supported by an ACT Appeal for the response to Typhoon Durian, which devastated the Bicol region in November 2006.

Current Situation and Preparatory Measures

An estimated 200,000 persons have been evacuated, led by the local government of Albay. Christian Aid partner, COPE, together with local QRTs (quick response teams) and their partner communities participated in the evacuation of the most vulnerable households and have assigned some of their staff to monitor the conditions in the evacuation centres. COPE staff and their families living in vulnerable areas have also been evacuated.  Coastal Core (another Christian Aid partner in Sorsogon) together with the QRTs is helping to disseminate information about typhoon.  Households near the shoreline have been evacuated and fishing boats have also been transferred to elevated areas. Emergency preparedness trainings and country level emergency preparedness planning carried out  by Christian Aid staff helped the  partners in the area to lead the evacuation along with  the local government authorities. Christian Aid and COPE just completed 150 typhoon resistant houses with the support of the ACT appeal ASPH63 in Legazpi, which may be able to accommodate families who may be affected by the typhoon. 

Anticipated Response

If the impact is devastating and external support is needed, Christian Aid and partners would try to address the immediate relief and livelihood needs of the communities.

Christian Aid staff and its partners are currently monitoring the situation and a meeting has been organised to plan appropriate interventions. Christian Aid is co-ordinating with the ACT (Actions by Churches Together) Co-ordinating office, to raise funds through an ACT appeal depending on the needs on the ground. Christian Aid will work wherever possible in co-ordination with other ACT members in the Philippines, including the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP). 

The ACT Coordinating Office will remain in contact with members in the Philippines and will notify the alliance of any further plans for a response.

Any funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jessie Kgoroeadira, ACT Finance Officer (jkg@act-intl.org).