Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

SITUATION OVERVIEW
Manila, Philippines

October 2, 2009

On 26 September 2009, Tropical Storm Ketsana (locally named Ondoy) brought heavy rains that caused flooding in the capital city of Manila, the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) and 25 provinces in the northern island of Luzon. An estimated 45cm of rain fell in 24 hours. This is equivalent to a typical month’s rainfall in the monsoon season. Towns east of Manila were submerged, with landslides in other parts of Luzon. Access for relief workers to many of the flood-affected areas remains a challenge, which is exacerbated by the rainfall connected to the approached Typhoon Parma. Water levels in Pasig City continue to rise, raising concerns of further flooding.

Relief efforts are further obstructed by the approaching Typhoon Parma (locally named Pepeng) forecast to hit Aurora and Isabela Provinces at midday local time on 3 October. Typhoon Parma has weakened to a Category 3 Typhoon and is expected to weaken further before making landfall.

In preparation for the arrival of Parma, the government is planning to carry-out pre-emptive evacuations from high-risk areas, including from selected evacuation centres that had been opened to shelter those displaced by Typhoon. Search and rescue assets are being pre-positioned and back-up provisions are being made to maintain communications and provide for the prompt delivery of water, food, clothing and medicines to affected areas. The government will also strive to keep major access roads and air facilities operational to support the response

Tropical Storm Ketsana has affected more than 3,175,740 people, leaving 293 dead and 42 missing. A total of 650,924 people reside in 508 evacuation shelters. An estimated 4,207 houses were destroyed by the storm and floods and 5,933 houses were partially damaged.

Electricity supplies remain cut, with limited power supplies to the hospitals and health centres. Basic and vital local government functions including general services in support of municipal operations, local hospitals and health care units and schools are severely disrupted. Capacities for rubble clearing are over stretched with current focus on clearing national roads.

Operation USA has announced that it is preparing relief supplies to assist local health care agencies and NGOs in and around Manila.