IDPPAR No. 02, 2022: Displacement due to Typhoon Rai (Odette), Issue no. 02
INCIDENT BACKGROUND
Super Typhoon Rai with local name Odette swept through the Philippines in mid-December soon before the year ends. The super typhoon batter strong winds and heavy rain in several parts of Mindanao. It also brings fears that widespread flooding and landslides may have claimed more lives like the other super typhoons that had hit the country. Communication and power were out in several parts of Mindanao making the rescue efforts difficult.
The Caraga Administrative Region is highly affected by the super typhoon among the other regions in Mindanao. The authorities have advised its constituents to take necessary precautionary measures against possible hazards such as floods, landslides, strong winds, and storm surges. In some parts of Mindanao, the super typhoon has also caused displacements because of floods and landslides.
CURRENT SITUATION
As per DROMIC dated 14 January 2022, around 384,000 families (approximately 1.5 million individuals) are affected in 1,082 barangays in 66 municipalities and 5 provinces in Caraga Region. Of the total affected population, 6% or 21,000 families (approximately 73,000 individuals) are presently displaced.
While others have gone home, the displaced population whose houses were severely damaged remain to find themselves in makeshift shelters and evacuation centers. 61 % or 13,000 families are temporarily sheltered In 256 evacuation centers while 39% or 8,000 families are being hosted by their relatives and friends. The report further states that there are a total of 166,715 houses damaged by the typhoon, 42% of which are completely damaged and 58% are partially damaged.
With the augmentation of support both from the government offices from other regions not affected by the typhoon and the humanitarian community, utilities are slowly being restored. For the entire region, the power supply has been restored in 19 out of 48 cities/municipalities. Mobile and internet communication in Surigao City has also improved but remains intermittent in other areas. Also, around 70% of the water supply has been addressed already by the city government. However, the Department of Health in its water sampling test has found that E. Coli and coliform are present in water sources of the region. In island barangays of the city, access remains limited.
