UPDATED 13th December, 2012
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EVACUEE-CENTRE: Some of those affected by Typhoon Bopha. PICTURE: Crislyn Felisilda/World Vision |
The death toll from Typhoon Bopha – which devastated parts of Mindanao and the Vasayan Islands in the southern Philippines – has reportedly climbed to more than 700.
The typhoon, which struck last Tuesday, caused widespread destruction with winds of up to 210 km/h as well as ocean surges, flashfloods and landslides. Some 900 people are still listed as missing and 2,000 suffered injuries during the typhoon.
It’s estimated that almost 5.4 million have been affected by the disaster and international aid agencies have launched appeals to help provide food and shelter for them.
World Vision’s Arlo Ramos says some families have been left homeless by the disaster and have no choice but to stay in makeshift shelters on the roadside. He says there is a huge demand for fresh water after wells were destroyed and roads made impassable.
Karen Alexander, World Vision Australia’s acting head of humanitarian and emergency affairs says without proper water and sanitation, communities have been left vulnerable to disease.
“(N)ow we need to get to work to stop more people dying for want of clean water and sanitation,” she says. “Our assessment teams have gone into affected communities and are working with them and local authorities to provide emergency supplies as quickly as possible.”
The typhoon was worst in the area since last year’s Typhoon Washi.
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– DAVID ADAMS
