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PROGRAMME TITLE: Effects of Low-Pressure Area (LPA) in Mindanao
PROGRAMME LOCATION: Philippines
DATES COVERED: February 2, 2024
SITREP NUMBER: 1
SUBMITTED BY: Caritas Philippines

SITUATION OVERVIEW
As per NDRRMC, on 28 January 2024, the Northeast Monsoon and the Trough of the Low-Pressure Area (LPA) affected Mindanao. The Trough of the LPA continued to bring light to heavy rains in Mindanao until today, this resulted in flooding, landslides, and other incidents in some affected areas.

Data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-DROMIC) as of February 1, 2024:

  • Affected areas/ provinces are in Mindanao, Central Visayas, Negros Occidental, and Southern Visayas
  • 27,841 families or 103,757 persons are affected in 171 barangays in Regions XI and Caraga and 14,548 families or 54,073 persons displaced.
  • 7,101 families or 26,442 persons are currently taking temporary shelter in 137 evacuation centers
  • 7,447 families or 27,631 persons temporarily staying with their relatives or friends
  • A total of ₱ 2,017,554.00 worth of assistance was provided to the affected families by the Local Government

Photo taken by Caritas Butuan in one of the schools that is currently underwater.

The San Pablo Parish Quick Response Team took a list of the IDPs in one of the Evacuation Centers; Photo was taken by SAC Davao.

Data from Dioceses:

Davao:

  • Families affected as of February 1, 2024: 1838 (4,486 individuals)
  • Lifeline: All main roads are passable and accessible.
  • Actions Taken:
  • Activating the OPCEN (Operation Center) and PDART (Parish Disaster Response Team) of the parishes to assist in the pre-emptive evacuation of those families living in the hazardous areas
  • Closely coordinating with the City LGU (on the inter-agency) on the clustering of response
  • Provision of hot meals and camp management to the IDPs at the designated evacuation center
  • Augmented Diocese of Mati by initially providing 250 food packs and adding 1,500 food packs tomorrow (depending on the accessibility to the area)

Mati:

  • On-going data gathering
  • Lifeline: Difficulty in accessing most of the areas due to landslides, flooding, and unpassable bridges
  • Immediate needs: Food packs, kitchen items, and sleeping kits

Butuan (Bunawan, Agusan del Sur):

  • Families Affected as of February 2, 2024: 1,794 (individuals 5,658)
  • On-going data gathering from the Parishes
  • Lifeline is not affected except for flooding in some areas; the National highway along Agusan is passable except for interior access roads going to the barangays
  • A local appeal was out to augment the assistance provided by the local government.
  • Immediate Needs; Food Packs and Hygiene Kits

Tagum

  • Davao de Oro (Data as of January 31, 2024, PDRRMC)
    • Families Affected: 1990 (4,788 individuals)
    • Families inside the Evacuation Center: 1778; Outside – 198
  • Davao del Norte (Data as of February 1, 2024, PDRRMC)
    • Families Affected: 3,778 (18,381 individuals)
    • Families inside the Evacuation Center: 1,434; Outside – 1,196
  • There is a local appeal for the for the immediate needs (food pack) of the affected families

CARITAS RESPONSE

The Humanitarian Office of Caritas Philippines has already activated its Emergency Operational Center (EOC) to monitor the effects of the disaster. Monitoring and coordination with the affected dioceses are ongoing while preparing the Initial fund for emergency operations to assist the logistical needs of the dioceses and emergency relief to the families affected.

COORDINATION

Dioceses coordinated with local government agencies and attended a briefing of the response cluster by the Provincial Government. As of today, it has mobilized and activated volunteers from the parishes, mission centers, and chaplaincy to give updates and monitor the situation providing a clearer view of the situation.

MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS

Caritas Philippines monitors various media platforms and gathers updated reports on the situation on the ground and will be providing updates on its official social media platforms. Radio Veritas continues the coordination with Caritas Philippines on the affected dioceses for possible support.

PLEDGES AND CONTRIBUTIONS

Through the fraternal solidarity of its neighboring diocese, the Archdiocese of Davao, provided assistance to the Diocese of Mati on its emergency relief. Other Dioceses like Tagum and Butuan, shared an Appeal for Assistance.

Caritas Philippines is now launching a local appeal to assist affected communities with their immediate needs (food packs, hygiene/sanitation kits, kitchen utensils and cooking wares, sleeping kits). You
may deposit your financial support to:

Name of Bank: BPI
Account Name: CBCP CARITAS PHILIPPINES FOUNDATION INC
Account no. 4951-0071-08

KEY CONTACTS

Fr. Antonio Labiao, Executive Director
(0917) 533-5943 l frtonylabiao@gmail.com

Jeanie Curiano, Humanitarian Head
(0977) 823-8105 l jeanie.curiano@gmail.com

Cecilio “Ava” Guardian, Humanitarian Program Coordinator
(0999) 882-8281 l cpguardianiii@yahoo.com.ph

Jing Rey Henderson, Communications and Partnership Development Head
(0905) 546-9977 / 525-1924 l jhenderson.nassacaritasph@gmail.com

More Photos:

Coordination meetings with various agencies on the rescue mission and preemptive evacuation of the families affected by flooding in Davao. Photo taken by SAC Davao

Night monitoring for the search and rescue mission in flooded barangays in Davao. Photo taken by SAC Davao

Difficulty in accessing the area going to Mati due to flooding and landslides resulted in traffic jam and muddy roads.  Photo taken by SAC Mati.