PROGRAMME TITLE: Effects of Low Pressure Area (LPA) in Mindanao
PROGRAMME LOCATION: Philippines
DATES COVERED: February 10, 2024
SITREP NUMBER: 2
SUBMITTED BY: Caritas Philippines
SITUATION OVERVIEW
As per NDRRMC, on 28 January 2024, the Northeast Monsoon and the Trough of the Low-Pressure Area affected Mindanao (Southern part of the Philippines). The Trough of the Low-Pressure Area continued to bring light to heavy rains in Mindanao until 03 February 2024. This resulted in flooding, landslides, and other incidents in some areas of Mindanao. As of February 11, 2024, 415,494 families or 1,389,073 individuals were affected.
Based on reported data from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) from the provinces of Davao Del Norte and Davao De Oro and the results of the Rapid Assessment Team of Caritas Philippines and the Diocese Social Action Center (DSAC) of Tagum, the following are the data gathered:
• As of February 8, 2024, a total of 172,938 families (722,295 individuals) were affected due to the impact of the disaster, of which 127,333 families (553,530 individuals) are from Davao Del Norte and 45,605 families (168,765 individuals) are from Davao De Oro.
• Currently, a total of 9,793 families (35,903 individuals) are inside evacuation centers, and 112,465 families (474,734 individuals) outside the evacuation centers in the 2 provinces affected.
• In the Province of Davao Del Norte, there are 10 municipalities affected, Tagum City has the highest number of families 22,075 affected (110,375 individuals). In the Province of Davao De Oro, 11 municipalities were affected of which the Municipality of Compostela has the highest number of families 20,581 affected (73,695 individuals).
• Lifelines such as power lines are already functional in the center of the towns, however, some isolated rural areas are having power outages.
• Some WASH facilities were affected due to landslides and flash floods damaging the water systems.
• Main roads are accessible for any vehicles, although some roads and bridges are still not accessible
specifically in the remote areas.
CARITAS RESPONSE
The Humanitarian Office of Caritas Philippines activated its Emergency Operational Center (EOC) to monitor the effects of the LPA and coordinate with the affected dioceses. Initial assistance of Php 900,000 was downloaded for emergency relief assistance to the families affected in the 3 dioceses (Tagum, Mati, Butuan).
Caritas Philippines, together with the Diocese of Tagum (composed of 2 provinces, Davao De Oro, Davao del Norte), conducted a Rapid Needs Assessment. An unstructured KII and focused group discussion (FGD) were done with the LGU (Province and Municipal) and Parish members. Caritas Philippines is currently doing a Rapid Needs Assessment in the Diocese of Mati (Davao Oriental) and will share its results in the coming days.
COORDINATION
Caritas Philippines and the Diocese of Tagum coordinated with the Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU) – Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) and the Provincial Social Welfare & Development (PSWD). In Davao De Oro, the team met with the Governor and Congressman and had a chance to interview and discuss their observations and plans on the current crisis.
Caritas Philippines coordinated with in-country CIMO partners like Caritas Germany through the sharing of information and findings by other clusters and LGUs in Davao Oriental, while Caritas Relief Services (CRS) complemented the ongoing Rapid Need Assessment (RNA) in Davao del Norte. Updates were also provided to other CIMO partners like Caritas Spain, Caritas Australia, Caritas Austria, Caritas Italiana, and SitRep also shared with Caritas Internationalis on the status and continuing impact of the crisis.
SitRep #1 was also disseminated to the FBO partners and country Humanitarian Cluster and Protection Cluster. Caritas Philippines likewise participated in the cluster meeting, as an avenue for updating and sharing of information.
MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS
Caritas Philippines continues to monitor daily weather updates on different media platforms for any untoward incidents in the area. The actual situation on the ground has been shared on “Caritas News on the Go”, a social media program by Caritas Philippines for updating and information sharing.
Media partner Radio Veritas closely collaborated and coordinated with Caritas Philippines as such a live interview was done on the ground.
PLEDGES AND CONTRIBUTIONS
A call for local appeal was released by the bishops of the 2 dioceses (Dioceses of Tagum and Butuan) seeking assistance to the communities affected.
Through the fraternal solidarity of its neighboring diocese, the Archdiocese of Davao and Digos provided assistance to the Diocese of Mati and the Diocese of Tagum on its emergency relief. Dioceses of Tagum and Butuan, call an Appeal for Assistance.
Likewise, Caritas Philippines launched a local appeal to assist affected communities with their immediate needs (hygiene/sanitation kits, kitchen utensils and cookware, sleeping kits). Caritas Philippines also foresees an early recovery intervention on livelihoods and shelter. 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