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1.1 million people affected, 480 000 displaced and 28 000 homes damaged after Super Typhoon “Rai” hits the Philippines

super-typhoon-rai-odette-philippines-damage-casualties-december-2021

At least 1 113 373 million people have been affected, 481 196 displaced and 28 000 homes damaged in the Philippines after the country was hit by Super Typhoon "Rai" (Odette) on December 16 and 17, 2021.1 The number of affected people in need, including displaced people, and damaged houses and infrastructure is expected to rise significantly in the coming days/weeks, as access to the affected areas is still very limited, DG ECHO reports.

The typhoon made a total of 8 landfalls on December 16 and 17 – in Siargao Island, Cagdianao, Liloan, Padre Burgos, Pres Carlos Garcia, Bien Unido, Carcar, La Libertad and Roxas.

While NDRRMC is officially reporting 156 casualties, 37 missing, and 275 injured, as of December 212, the police and media are reporting at least 375 fatalities and 56 people missing.

A total of 75 areas in Region 5, Region 6, Region 12, CARAGA, and BARMM experienced flash flooding and flooding, NDRRMC reports.

A total of 55 road and 4 bridge sections have been affected. 

4 airports were reported non-operational, of which, 3 already resumed operations in MIMAROPA, Region 10.

122 ports were reported non-operational or have suspended trips. Of which, 55 ports resumed operations in CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Region 5, Region 7, Region 10.

A total of 236 cities/municipalities experienced power outage/interruption in MIMAROPA, Region 6, Region 7, Region 8, Region 19, Region 11, CARAGA, and BARMM. Power has been restored in 28 cities/municipalities, as of December 21.

There are 135 areas in MIMAROPA, Region 7, Region 8, Region 10, CARAGA, and BARMM which are still experiencing communication outage/issues.

At least 6 894 ha (17 035 acres) of crops have been damaged.

"We are looking at a major humanitarian crisis," said Ansherina Talavera, CARE Philippines Program Manager.3

"We are seeing hundreds of thousands of people displaced, and roads and power lines have been washed away.

"Over 28 000 homes have been destroyed and more than 260 000 schools have been damaged. In some areas, power is not expected to return for at least a month. Access to some of the worst affected areas, particularly remote islands, remains a big concern due to destroyed private and public sea vessels."

"The level of devastation caused by the typhoon is truly heartbreaking," said David Gazashvili, CARE Philippines Country Director.

"We are seeing Haiyan-esque levels of destruction. From the places our teams and partners have reached, 80-90% of houses have sustained heavy damage."

References:

1 Super Typhoon "Rai" hits the Philippines, leaving a trail of destruction, 375 people dead and 56 missing – The Watchers

2 Situational Report for TC ODETTE (2021) SitRep No. 8 for Typhoon ODETTE (2021) December 21, 2021 08:00 am – NDRRMC

3 Typhoon Rai (Odette) hits the Philippines, 600,000 people left with no homes as Christmas approaches – CARE

Featured image credit: Philippine Red Cross

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