Philippines: 4.4 million people displaced by Typhoon Haiyan, including over 1 million children

20 November 2013 (UNOCHA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) estimates that 13.25 million people have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan (known locally as Yolanda), including about 5.4 million children, many of whom face serious protection, health and safety risks. In total, over 4.4 million people have been displaced, including over 1 million children. The large majority of people are living outside evacuation centres. Some 387,450 displaced people are living in 1,552 centres in six regions (CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and CARAGA). Nearly 90 per cent of displaced people are in Eastern and Western Visayas regions. These figures remain fluid as additional reports are verified. Life-saving and other critical assistance activities are expanding. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), the water supply has been partially restored in most areas of Western and Eastern Visayas regions. Some communities continue to rely on a few hours of water supply from diesel-operated pumps. In Palawan province, the water supply system in Busuanga town is operating. A water rationing system is being implemented in Coron. Many communities remain without power, particularly in Eastern and Western Visayas regions. In terms of protection, partners have established a system to register displaced people at Tacloban Airport; similar programmes are planned for other airports and sea ports in the affected area. Access conditions continue to improve. As of 19 November, congestion at Tacloban Airport had eased considerably. Three commercial airlines are now operating in and out of Tacloban Airport. On 20 November, NDRMMC reported that ferry service between Matnog (Sorsogon province, Bicol region) and Allen (Northern Samar province, Eastern Visayas region) has added four barges to transport passengers and vehicles. Normal ferry service has doubled to facilitate transport of relief supplies to affected areas. Despite progress on debris clearance and repairs, a large volume of debris remains, making roads to remote areas still difficult to access. [more]

Philippines: Typhoon Haiyan Situation Report No. 14 (as of 20 November 2013)