International aid agency Oxfam will today send rapid emergency response teams to areas worst affected by Typhoon Haiyan after it tore through the Philippines.
The super Typhoon made its first landfall at 4.40am on Friday Eastern Samar, with maximum sustained winds of 235 kilometres per hour, and progressed through the central island region of the Visayas.
There are at least 18 million people living in the worst affected regions of the Visayas, and early estimates suggest at least 4 million people are affected from the super typhoon across 36 provinces.
Initial reports from Oxfam staff indicate there is flash flooding, electricity has been cut off, and there is extensive damage to houses and buildings.
Two emergency response teams from Oxfam are ready to conduct rapid assessments today.
Another Oxfam response team is in Manila ready to assess the worst damaged areas in the coming days.
Oxfam Australia Chief Executive Dr Helen Szoke said shelter, water and sanitation would be vitally important in the immediate response from teams on the ground.
“Basic needs such as water, sanitation and emergency shelter will be the primary focus of our response,” Dr Szoke said.
Oxfam in the Philippines is experienced in responding to emergencies and has a particularly strong reputation in the area of water, sanitation, hygiene and emergency food security.
Oxfam has conducted previous responses to typhoons – the most recent being the response to Typhoon Bopha (2012-2013). Oxfam also responded to Typhoon Washi (2011) and Typhoon Ketsana (2009).
For more information contact Louise Perry on louisep@oxfam.org.au or 0414 456 015 or Anne Wright on annew@oxfam.org.au or 0411 035 695.
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