Philippines: Number of displaced people increases from 1.9 million to 3 million

16 November 2013 (UNOCHA) – Government agencies estimate that between 9 to 13 million people have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) across nine regions. About 18 per cent (2.3 million people) of the total affected population is concentrated in Eastern Visayas, Western Visayas and Central Visayas regions. Figures are expected to fluctuate as data is validated. On 16 November, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported a significant increase in displacement from 1.9 million to over 3 million people. While people in evacuation centres decreased from 423,000 to 371,000 people, an estimated 2.7 million people are displaced outside the centres. Over 70 per cent are displaced are concentrated in six adjacent provinces (Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental). A total of 478,343 houses are damaged, of which 50 per cent are destroyed. Partners have observed that more people are leaving Tacloban for Ormoc and Cebu cities. The Department of Public Works confirmed that main roads are open to traffic. The HCT reported  extensive waiting hours at the Matnog ferry crossing connecting Sorsogon to northern Samar. Partners estimate that the six-hour ferry-handling is taking up to three days given the backlog of trucks and cars of Filipinos on the way to visit affected family members. The HCT estimates that it could take up to one week to identify additional ferries. Partners are advised to seek alternative routes. On 16 November, a barge linking Cebu City and Leyte province sea ports started operating. For information on how to access logistical services, please visit www.logcluster.org. The barge is able to transport fuel tankers to support the humanitarian operations.  Civil Military Coordination has ramped up due to the presence of several foreign military contingents supporting search and rescue and the delivery of relief assistance. This includes the Canadian Forces Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) in Roxas City, the Japanese Self Defense Forces which will provide medical and transportation support; the US Joint Task Force consisting of air, sea and ground elements; and a naval presence is expected from the United Kingdom. Other Member States including Australia, Belgium, Indonesia, Israel, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Thailand have provided military transportation, relief flights, and medical support. In Tacloban, warehousing facilities are needed to store relief items.  Eight trucks arrived in Tacloban City and another eight will follow on 17 November. This will increase food distribution capacity to 400 metric tons (mt)/day. The Fuel Relief Fund started providing fuel to relief organizations and as of 17 November, Shell will provide access to 20,000 litres of fuel. In Tanauan municipality, Leyte province, the HCT distributed some 11,500 non-food items, including hygiene kits, plastic sheets, jerry cans and blankets, in 11 of the most affected barangays (smallest administrative unit in the Philippines). Information on the mountain areas of Aklan and Antique provinces remains limited. Results of an initial food assessment in northeast Capiz province indicated that 60 per cent of the people in towns require food support. As of 15 November, approximately 375,000 people have received food assistance. While DSWD provided relief distribution throughout the affected areas during the first three days of the typhoon, local authorities are unable to sustain general food distribution. Food security has been highlighted as a concern in Carles, Estancia and Concepcion municipalities.  With much of the crops in the typhoon-affected areas destroyed, rice seeds and fertilizers inputs is important. Meeting the December and January planting season is critical to safeguard the March/April harvest. The next rice harvest is not until October 2014, putting household food security, nutrition and income generation in jeopardy. Similarly, concerns are growing over the affected fishing communities and fish farmers. The destruction of boats, fishing gear, fish ponds and related equipment left many families with no means of livelihood and decreased protein intake. Increasing numbers of health personnel are arriving in the Philippines. The Department of Health has requested that international medical teams first register in Manila, prior to deployment to affected areas and to coordinate with the regional health authorities upon arrival. [more]

Philippines: Typhoon Haiyan Situation Report No. 10 (as of 16 November 2013)