The number of people displaced within 3 days by the 7.2 earthquake in Central Philippines has been assessed as more than 353,800. Overall, 3.4 million people have been affected by the main earthquake and the 1,694 subsequent aftershocks. Damaged and blocked roads and bridges are hampering the distribution of relief to the worst-affected areas.
Disaster Aid International works with the inter-agency infrastructure that is set up to coordinate disaster relief. Together with their local partner, Balay Mindanaw, an on-site assessment was undertaken within 4 days of the earthquake. Below are some of the pictures taken during this assessment which includes the damage to Maribujoc Church shown on the front page.
Specific requirements were drawn up following the assessment with included 100 tents and Family Kits which were amended to exclude cooking equipment but to increase several fold certain items such as mosquito nets, water containers, waterproof sleeping bag blankets and rope. Three members of the trained Disaster Aid Response Team have been sent out (Ed and Christine from the UK and Cliff from Australia). Reports from Chris can be followed on facebook.
In line with the main mode of operation, the team will supervise the transport of equipment and train members of the local community so that the equipment can be distributed and deployed effectively.
This is the third deployment in the Philippine within two years following Cyclones Sendong and Pablo. Disaster Aid International is continuing to work with their local partner, which means that previous experience gained is a considerable advantage. In fact, Disaster Aid International was represented in Philippines just a month before for a training event as one of the follow-up activities for the aftermath of Cyclone Pablo.
