The Philippines need your help

nancyk58 · October 14, 2009

UPDATES ON SITUATION IN SOUTHEAST ASIA 14/10-09

http://www.gmanews.tv/index.html

62 towns in the nation's rice granary still flooded (10/13/2009 | 09:30 PM )

Three days after Typhoon Pepeng exited Philippine territory, vast areas in central Luzon remain flooded, with the nation's leading palay-producing province, Nueva Ecija, suffering from the most widespread flooding. Arayat town in Pampanga province - without the media attention directed at other towns - is enduring the deepest floodwaters, up to seven feet.

Data culled by GMA News Research from the Regional Office of Civil Defense for Central Luzon showed that as of Tuesday 23 out of Nueva Ecija's 32 towns, or nearly 72 percent, are still dealing with floods, although the waters are less than a foot deep or not as bad as those in adjacent towns of nearby provinces.

In 2008, Nueva Ecija topped the nation in rice production with 1,372,378 metric tons, more than 300,000 metric tons more than second leading producer Isabela. Nueva Ecija also led the nation in onion production.

A close study of the map shows that the provinces of Tarlac, Pampanga, and Bulacan still have a total of 11 towns that are submerged in at least two feet of water.

These include the towns of Arayat, Bacolor, Masantol, San Luis, Macabebe and Sto. Tomas in Pampanga; La Paz, Paniqui, Moncada and San Manuel in Tarlac province; and Calumpit in Bulacan province.

Tarlac is the country's seventh leading rice producer with over a half million metric tons in 2008.

In Pampanga, Arayat town suffered the worst flooding, with five of its barangays (villages) submerged in six to seven-foot deep floodwaters. This was followed by Bacolor and Masantol towns.

In Bulacan, Calumpit town was flooded by at least four feet, while in Tarlac, La Paz town remained submerged in at least three feet.

Meanwhile, floods in the following areas (orange) have already receded:

Palayan City, Nueva Ecija;

Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija;

Cuyapo, Nueva Ecija;

Licab, Nueva Ecija;

Sta. Ana, Pampanga; and

Guagua, Pampanga.

» DPWH sees full repair of roads to Baguio in 1 month

» Flooding in Albay province prompts evacuations

» NDCC: ‘Pepeng’ death toll now 375, damage breaches P8B mark ____________________________

BBC World Service Text TV: Tsunami Drill across Indian Ocean:

18 countries in the Indian Ocean region are taking part in an exercise to evaluate the response of the region's tsunami early warning systems. The test will simulate the earthquake that struck off the northwest coast of Sumatra 2004 when 250,000 people were killed - more than half of them in the Indonesian province of Aceh. The drill is taking place today on the World Disaster Reduction Day. ZDF Text TV also mentioned this drill taking place on the "Welttag zur Katastrophenbekämpfung".

ZDF Text TV: Suffering following natural disasters: UN: 2,3 mio people died (in the past 3 decades).

According to information given by UN, 2,3 mio. people died in the past 3 decades from 1975 to 2008. 8,000 earthquakes, storms, floodings, landslides and fires caused enormous human suffering and vast devastations. In particular people in the poor countries are struck by these disasters.

Danish DR1: INDONESIA: Those missing after the earthquakes now declared dead

300 missing are now declared dead, so that the official death toll now amounts to 1,115 people. Enormous relief operations are on-going to help thousands of people who are homeless due to the earthquakes. The heaviest earthquake measured 7,6 richter and damaged Padang severely - Padang is a city of more than 1 mio inhabitants.

nancyk58 · October 14, 2009

NEWS FROM DANISH RED CROSS 14/10-09:

http://drk.dk/nyheder/nyheder/myggenet+til+tyfonofre

MOSQUITO NETS TO TYPHOON VICTIMS :thumbsup:

After two severe typhoons hit the Philippines last month, the Danish Red Cross now sends emergency aid for the equivalent of 750,000 Danish kroner.

Responsible for page: Julie Lorenzen. Edited on 14 October 2009

It corresponded to a whole month's rain, when the typhoon "Ketsana" hit the Philippines on 26th September and laid much of the capital Manila under water. Following "Ketsana", the typhoon "Parma" ravaged in the northern part of the country and resulted in severe flooding and landslides.

Over six million people are affected by both natural disasters, at least 530 have died while more than 400 are wounded.

Emergency aid for the equivalent of 750,000 Danish kroner

The situation is now so serious that the Danish Red Cross sends emergency aid for the equivalent of 750,000 Danish kroner - the money will go to buy 11,000 mosquito nets, 3,050 water cans, 1,500 hygiene kits and 383 kitchen sets to the many victims. The money comes from the Foreign Ministry's trade allocation.

Appeals recently issued

The goods, Danish Red Cross sends to the Philippines, is a contribution to the appeal of just 34 million Danish kroner that the International Red Cross has just issued. Money from the appeal will go to help 200,000 people for one year with, among other, relief, clean water and medical care.

Diarrhea and skin diseases ravaging

The two typhoons have resulted in almost 20,000 families having lost their homes, while more than 46,000 houses have been destroyed. Many are still forced to live in their partially flooded homes.

The number of cases of diarrhea and skin diseases increases with the recession of the water masses.

Volunteers work around the clock

Thousands of volunteers from the Filipino Red Cross has since 26 September worked around the clock to help the many affected and traumatized people with i.a. first aid and psychological support.

____________________________

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/174656/downstream-no-time-to-escape-a-dams-deluge

Downstream, no time to escape a dam's deluge

ANDREO CALONZO and SOPHIA DEDACE, GMANews.TV10/14/2009 | 09:28 PM

Before the flood came the siren.

In the midst of Typhoon Pepeng’s powerful downpour, Gerald Lomibao, 23, a resident of Binmaley, a town four hours drive from San Roque Dam, heard the siren. Then barangay tanods rushed by to remind him that the siren meant that the dam was about to release water and Gerald and his family had three hours to evacuate to higher ground.

But in 15 minutes the flood had arrived, creeping steadily higher until the Lomibao family had to flee to an upper floor.

As the worst floods in the history of Pangasinan slowly subside, and residents ponder their ruined homes and property, the inadequacy of warning given by both the dam operators and local governments is only one issue that is spurring outrage from residents, senators, and activists,

Pangasinan’s provincial government and Senator Chiz Escudero have threatened to file law suits against the San Roque Power Corporation, which operates the dam along the Agno River. Senate hearings began Wednesday morning on the role the dam’s water release played in the flood.

The region received a record amount of rainfall starting October 8, compelling the dam operators to release enormous flows of water that eventually found its way into the homes of the Lomibaos and ten of thousands of Pangasinan residents. A dam that fills up and overflows is in danger of collapsing.

“With or without the dam, standard operating procedure," said Romualdo Beltran, the director for Dam, Reservoirs and Waterways Division the National Power Corporation (Napocor), which owns the San Roque Dam. Beltran spoke at a forum on the flood at the University of the Philippines Diliman campus on Tuesday.

Engineering professors at the forum questioned the timing of the water release. "Why did they have to wait for the water to almost overflow before opening the gates?" Guillermo Tabios III of the National Hydraulic Research Center asked. "They should have released water as early as October 4, when the water already exceeded 280 meters."

Beltran said no one knew that Pepeng would bring a 100 year rain, meaning rainfall that occurs only once every century. The heaviness of the downpour filled up the reservoir so quickly that all six gates of the dam had to be opened.

Pangasinan provincial administrator Rafael Baraan, in the midst of relief operations in his still-flooded province, lamented the rate of release.

They told us they will release water by Thursday afternoon. They said they would release 2,500 cubic meters per second. But by 3 a.m. to 7 a.m. Friday, they were already releasing 5,072 cubic meters of water.

“Why would they release so much water in so little time?"

It’s that same water that Gerald Lomibao and his family had no time to escape. At the time of this posting Wednesday evening, the Lomibaos and four other families were huddled on the second floor of the Lomibao home, with waist-deep water barely moving on the ground floor. – GMANews.TV

nancyk58 · October 14, 2009

Philippines need your help

Danish Text TV (TV2) at 20:38: EARTH QUAKE HITS TSUNAMI-RAVAGED SAMOA

The earthquake measured 6,0 richter and hit an area near the western part of Samoa in the Pacific Ocean according to the US Geological Surveillance Center. It is less than 2 weeks after the series of tsunamis hitting the group of islands after a quake that measured 8 richter. The epicenter of the quake is west of Apia in the western part of Samoa.

nancyk58 · October 15, 2009

PHILIPPINES: Article as of 8 October 2009

UNICEF Executive Director visits flood-stricken Philippines

By Pamela Pagunsan

MANILA, Philippines, 8 October 2009 – UNICEF Executive Director Ann M. Veneman visited the Philippines yesterday to see the damage done by Tropical Storm Ondoy and subsequent massive flooding.

Residents of Santa Cruz village in low-lying Pasig City, metro Manila, experienced floodwaters three and a half feet deep. They were forced to evacuate to the nearby Liberato Damian Elementary School for safety.

During the first few days after the storm hit on 26 September, the school was home to 700 people, 300 of them children. Veneman met and spoke with children and mothers who remain in the school.

"My heart goes out to the families I met today, who now have no home but the corner of a school classroom," said Veneman. However, she added: "It was encouraging to see some children back in school, which brings a sense of normalcy to their lives after going through such a disaster."

Displaced families

One of the mothers Veneman met was Rossana Balboa, 40, who is staying in a classroom on the Liberato Damian school's third floor with members of her family and five other families.

"It's been very difficult. My husband is sick and because of the flood he doesn't have work, so we don't have money for medicines," she said, crying as she told her story.

It takes about 30 minutes to get from the evacuation site to Ms. Balboa's house, which is only accessible by boat or by wading in knee-high water. Her older children are guarding the house and their belongings, while the little ones – including the youngest, just 10 months old – stay at the school with her.

Essential supplies

Veneman also spoke with sixth-grader Jaime de Venecia, Jr., who is living on the school's fourth floor with eight other families.

"I want to go back to school when the waters subside. I want to finish my studies and get a job, even as a janitor, just so I can help my father," he said.

UNICEF has provided the Pasig City authorities with family kits containing necessities such as water cans, blankets, mosquito nets and sleeping mats for the evacuees. In addition, it has distributed kits with essential medicines for use by health workers in the affected communities, as well as water and hygiene kits to ensure that families have safe water for drinking and cooking.

Educational materials – including a 100-book library to replace the materials that were lost in the flood – will also help to provide a sense of normalcy for children.

Meeting with the President

At Villamor air base in Manila, Veneman met with the President the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. They discussed the flood response and the emergency relief needs that UNICEF can meet, as well as ongoing efforts to promote the rights of all children in the country.

While in the Philippines, Veneman also launched the UN flash appeal in which UNICEF is requesting $12.7 million to assist flood victims in the areas of safe water; school supplies; essential medicines to prevent disease outbreaks; and the registration and protection of children who have become separated from, or have lost, their parents.

Other articles will follow later.

nancyk58 · October 15, 2009

UNICEF NEWSLETTER received per e-mail Thursday 15 October, 2009 :

Emergency update: Children in Asia are still struggling for their lives

From: UNICEF Denmark ([email protected])

Sent: 15. October 2009 15:31:53

The earth shakes no more, and the water has receded. Yet the world is changed.

Millions of children in ASIAa and in SAMOA are affected and many are struggling to survive and move forward after natural disasters a few weeks ago.

You can help them. Make your contribution here.

UNICEF is fully engaged in helping the children and help useless.

We vaccinate against infectious diseases spreading quickly through the contaminated water.

We ensure that children are quickly back to school.

We protect the many children who are now alone and in danger of exploitation and abuse.

The need for help is enormous.

And the extent of the disaster is not yet clear everywhere. UNICEF responded quickly, but the need in the next month exceeds the funds available to us at the moment.

Help us so we can continue our work to ensure these children's lives!

Thank you for your support.

Best regards

Steen M. Andersen,

Secretary General

UNICEF Denmark

I received a similar letter a week ago - one option was to donate money per telephone which I did so that my contribution could be of use as soon as possible.

________________________________________

GMA News.tv

Rains trigger another landslide in Benguet

10/15/2009 | 08:22 AM

Rains since Wednesday triggered another landslide in Benguet province early Thursday, setting back repair of a key highway and prolonging the isolation of a town there.

A report by radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo said the landslide occurred along Km 18 of the Halsema Highway in Tublay town, forcing officials to close that portion to traffic.

No one was reported injured in the incident, the report said.

The report quoted Public Works Cordillera head Roy Manao as saying they were planning to open the stretch of the highway between Km 18 and Km 26.

It added that the landslide prolonged the isolation of areas in Atok town, including Caliking and Topdac villages.

Benguet was among the areas in Northern Luzon affected by heavy rains causing landslides and floods as typhoon "Pepeng" (Parma) made its third landfall last week.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council's 6 a.m. report showed that Benguet landslides death toll has already hit 243, while 37 remain missing.

A whole community in Puguis village in La Trinidad town was buried in thick mud, rocks and loose soil when rain-induced landslide struck on the evening of October 8. - GMANews. TV

Some Benguet evacuees back in their homes despite danger 2009-10-15 20:36:41

Napocor admits existing protocol in releasing water from dams obsolete 2009-10-15 20:36:03

nancyk58 · October 16, 2009

www.GMA News.TV

Mexican 5th grader donates to flood victims

House OKs proposed 2010 budget on 2nd reading

Black Eyed Peas singer brings aid to Philippines:

(by Teresa Cerojano, Associated Press) 10/15/2009 | 05:54 PM

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Black Eyed Peas singer apl.de.ap has flown to his native Philippines following devastating back-to-back storms to perform a benefit concert and deliver much-needed aid.

Apl planned to stage the concert Thursday evening in Manila during a brief trip to the country.

"I just want to tell everybody that my heart goes out to you guys and I will try my best to help out," he told reporters ahead of the event.

A Los Angeles resident whose real name is Allan Pineda Lindo, apl said he was concerned when he saw television footage of the devastation and decided to make a brief visit.

The worst flooding in 40 years struck the rice-growing northern Philippines and the capital Manila late last month when a typhoon after a storm dumped heavy rains that triggered landslides and inundated towns, killing 712 people and affecting more than 7 million.

In addition to a concert with local artists, apl brought canned goods from California, donated cash and appealed for more money for victims from around the world.

The hip-hop singer, who was adopted at 14 and moved to the United States, said he remains proud of his roots.

Even before his storm outreach, apl was involved in projects in his native country.

He recently performed in a music video, created in partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism and MTV Asia, singing a new rap song, "Take U to the Philippines," which features the country's white sand beaches, mountains and bustling cities.

"I love our culture, and you know I wanna share that all over the world," he said. "I'm not ashamed of who I am, I'm very proud to be Filipino." - AP

Group questions San Roque Dam’s flood control capability

Ad Congress pulls out of Baguio, cutting revenues for city's rehab

PHILIPPINES http://www.GMA News.TV

New cyclone moving toward NLuzon-Taiwan area

10/15/2009 | 06:54 PM

A cyclone that may hit Philippine territory this weekend is heading towards the Northern Luzon-Taiwan area, state weather forecasters said Thursday.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the cyclone, which it said is a tropical depression, has maximum sustained winds of 55 kph.

“The tropical depression over the Marianas Islands was estimated at 1,870 km east of Visayas with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph. It is moving west-northwest at 35 kph in the general direction of central and northern Luzon-Taiwan area," it said in an advisory posted on its Web site Thursday afternoon.

The weather system “is expected to further intensify before it enters the Philippine area of responsibility this weekend," Pagasa said.

Filipinos are still reeling from the effects of tropical cyclones “Ondoy" (international name Ketsana) and “Pepeng" (Parma).

Earlier, Pagasa weather bureau chief Nathaniel Cruz said the cyclone will be named “Ramil" once it enters the Philippine area of responsibility.

It is still in the Philippine Sea and has not entered our area of responsibility. It is still far away," Cruz said in an interview on dzRH radio.

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said the cyclone, code-named Tropical Storm 22W, was making its closest approach to the Southern Marianas and is moving rapidly west at around 25 miles per hour (mph).

Meanwhile, Pagasa said the low-pressure area that passed through Bicol this week was estimated at 550 kms north-northwest of Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan. It said the LPA is embedded along the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) affecting Luzon and Visayas. GMANews.TV

PHILIPPINE FLOODS HIGHLIGHT NEED FOR URGENT ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE

10/15/2009 | 02:24 PM

BANGKOK - As the Philippines was struggling to recover from the aftermath of two tropical cyclones, delegates from 177 countries were meeting in Thailand’s capital to iron out a comprehensive climate change agreement that is set to be finalized this December in Denmark.

Scientists and environmentalists emphasized the urgent need for world leaders to halt the worsening of climate change and address its disastrous impact, which may include more frequent extreme weather events like tropical storm Ondoy, which ravaged Manila recently.

“[Developed] countries must act now with urgency to moderate these storms and spare the whole world from the impoverishing and devastating impacts of climate change, especially to low-lying archipelagic island nations like the Philippines," said Presidential Adviser on Climate Change Heherson Alvarez at a press conference.

Alvarez headed the Philippines’ 27-member delegation to the Bangkok Climate Change Talks. The delegation also included officials from the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Science and Technology, Energy, and Agriculture, as well as representatives from non-government and people’s organizations.

GMA News and Public Affairs producer Pia Faustino filed the video report below, part of a series of reports that she is doing for GMANews.TV on climate change until the pivotal UN climate change conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Among the topics under negotiation until December are new emissions reduction targets for wealthy countries along with sustainable development actions, financial assistance, and technology transfer options for poorer countries that are hit hardest by the effects of climate change. - GMANews.TV

RP takes part in high-level climate change meet

Arroyo to sign Climate Change Act on Oct 30, Legarda says

Climate change behind twin disasters in RP – UN official

Rich and poor countries divided on climate deal

Experts not blaming climate change for ‘Ondoy’

No climate change law this year, Obama adviser says

For some, US remains villain at UN climate talks

nancyk58 · October 16, 2009

PHILIPPINERNE: GMA News.TV:

Pepeng death toll now at 419, surpasses Ondoy’s 10/16/2009 | 11:50 AM

The death toll from typhoon "Pepeng" (Parma) has surpassed that of tropical storm "Ondoy" (Ketsana), according to figures from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Friday.

In its 6 a.m. report, the NDCC said Pepeng’s death toll was at 419, mostly buried by landslides in Baguio City and the provinces of Benguet and Mt. Province.

Ondoy’s death toll has been placed at 341, mostly from floods.

NDCC said Pepeng killed at least 333 in Cordillera region - 288 in Benguet alone - and 71 in Ilocos, 10 in Central Luzon, and four in Bicol.

Most of the deaths in Cordillera were due to landslides while the rest in other regions were due to drowning, it added.At least 51 were still missing while 184 were reported injured.

Pepeng, which made landfall thrice in northern Luzon starting Oct. 3, affected at least 662,274 families or 3,106,978 people in 4,585villages in 361 towns and 35 cities and 27 provinces.

Of these, 15,629 families or 74,868 people are still staying in 168 evacuation centers.

Some 4,040 houses were destroyed while 34,843 were damaged.

Damage to property was estimated at P10.437 billion, including P3.402 billion in infrastructure and P7.032 billion in agriculture.

The NDCC said power has been fully restored in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte, but power interruption is still experienced in Aringay, Bauang and Caba towns in La Union.

Power interruptions are also being experienced in 14 towns in Pangasinan province, it added.

On the other hand, telecommunications services in Pasig City may be disrupted due to a damaged underground cable of PLDT.

Telecommunication lines of PLDT and Digitel in Cagayan Valley were partially restored.

In northern Luzon, Pangasinan officials are verifying reports of an artificial dam at the top of Caraballo Mountain ridge that may cause flooding and mudflow in Caurdenataan and Don Montano villages in Umingan, Pangasinan.

"Hundreds of residents in the threatened area had been evacuated by Philippine Army (and) local government units. The remaining residents have been alerted for possible evacuation," the NDCC said. - GMANews.TV

Residents protest alleged dumping of flood waste on riverbank

Storm 'Ramil' enters RP area of responsibility – Pagasa

Sen. Loren Legarda grills officials of National Power Corp. and San Roque Power Corp. during a Senate hearing on dam protocols Friday. Benjie Castro

Dr. Carlo Arcilla of the UP-NIGS discusses last week's flooding of Pangasinan during Friday's Senate hearing on 'Pepeng'. Benjie Castro

National Power Corp. president Froilan Tampinco justifies the need to release water from San Roque Dam at Friday's Senate hearing. Benjie Castro

-------------------------

LEPTOSPIROSIS

• a bacterial infection caused by a corkscrew-shaped bacterium called leptospira

• occurs through direct contact with the urine of infected animals or by contact with a urine-contaminated environment such as surface water, floodwater, soil, and plants

• affects both humans and animals

• leptospira have been found in rats, insectivores, dogs, cats, cattle, pigs and horses

• bacteria enter through broken skins, through eyes, nose or mouth exposed to contaminated water although less frequently through animal bites, handling infected animal tissues or swallowing contaminated food or water

• an occupational hazard for people who work outdoors or with animals, such as rice and sugar-cane field workers, farmers, sewer workers, veterinarians, dairy workers and military personnel

• a recreational hazard to those who swim or wade in contaminated waters. In endemic areas the number of leptospirosis cases may peak during the rainy season and even may reach epidemic proportions in case of flooding.

SYMPTOMS

Incubation period for the bacteria lasts 7 to 12 days. During this period, the following symptoms may be felt (although sometimes it can also be asymptomatic):

• high fever

• severe headache

• chills

• muscle pain

• vomiting

• jaundice

• redness in the eyes

• abdominal pain

• hemorrhages in skin and mucous membranes (including pulmonary bleeding)

• diarrhea

• rash

However, if these aren't treated, they may develop into kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, and respiratory distress.

PREVENTION

• reduce the rat population with the destruction of their habitats -- maintain a clean home

• avoid immersion in natural waters such as rivers, lakes and canals

• avoid immersion in floods

• use protective footwear or clothing when immersion to natural waters or floods is inevitable

• provide clean drinking water

Source: GMA News Research, Department of Health, World Health Organization

DOH: LEPTO SPIKING IN RIZAL AND METRO MANILA, KILLS 89

Leptospirosis, a usually rare bacterial infection, has afflicted more people in Metro Manila and Rizal in the last two weeks than it typically does in an entire year, according to Health Secretary Francisco Duque at a press conference Friday morning. He attributed the spike to large numbers of people wading in floodwaters teeming with bacteria that causes the disease.

Public hospitals required to accept leptospirosis patients

LEPTOSPIROSIS, OTHER DISEASES HOUND FLOOD VICTIMS

AIE BALAGTAS SEE, GMANews.TV10/14/2009 | 04:01 PM

Leptospirosis, a usually rare bacterial infection, has afflicted more people in Metro Manila and Rizal in the last two weeks than it typically does in an entire year, according to Health Secretary Francisco Duque at a press conference Friday morning. He attributed the spike to large numbers of people wading in floodwaters teeming with bacteria that causes the disease.

At the height of tropical storm “Ondoy," 24-year-old Gerald Samson braved the floods to save his neighbors from drowning in the murky floodwaters of Santolan, Pasig City. Little did he know that his selfless act would eventually cost him his precious health.

In an interview with GMA News' John Consulta, Samson, who saved the lives of at least 15 people, turned to the camera and begged for rescue. Doctors at the Rizal Medical Center said he is infected with leptospirosis and is already in critical condition.

Samson and Gonzales are only two of the hundreds of patients downed by leptospirosis, a disease usually caused by exposure to water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. In humans it causes a wide range of symptoms, and some infected persons may exhibit no symptoms at all.

According to the Department of Health, at least 28 people have already succumbed to leptospirosis this year. About 812 cases have also been recorded from January to October 11. Of these, 375 are from Metro Manila

According to the Medical City hospital in Pasig, it is experiencing shortage of rooms because of the sudden increase in the number of leptospirosis cases. The Medical City is one of the top hospitals in the country.

Most of the patients are male whose ages range from 31 to 40. The report said many of them have waded through the floods during the storm

Other threats

Apart from the threat of leptospirosis, flooding victims are also in danger of acquiring diarrhea, cholera, Influenza A(H1N1), and dengue.

In Pasig City Elementary School, GMA News’ Trisha Zafra reported that a lot of children ages two and below are infected with diarrhea due to contaminated tap water.

DOH Epidemiology Center chief Eric Tayag assured that that the government is now monitoring cases of diarrhea and cholera due to the possibility that their drinking water may be contaminated.

He also said that the government is coming up with solutions for the increasing leptospirosis cases in the country.

Nonetheless, he said it is also important for evacuees to take necessary precautions. He advised residents wading in floodwaters to see a doctor immediately when they encounter symptoms such as chills, red eyes or yellow skin, and not to wait until it is too late.

He also said residents should boil their drinking water or at least use a chlorine solution to stave off diseases from contaminated water, such as diarrhea and cholera.

On the other hand, Tayag warned residents the stagnant water can also bring about the killer disease dengue.

He also advised those in evacuation centers to practice good hygiene and treat their surroundings like their own homes.

As of Oct. 13, the National Disaster Coordinating Council said 45,129 families or 216,941 people displaced by storm Ondoy are staying in 443 evacuation centers mostly in Metro Manila and the provinces of Rizal and Laguna.

Of those affected by typhoon Pepeng, 16,583 families or 80,262 people are still in 245 evacuation centers mostly in northern and central Luzon. - GMANews.TV

nancyk58 · October 17, 2009

UPDATE OF THE SITUATION IN THE SOUTHEAST ASIA on 17 OCTOBER 2009

GMA NEWS.TV - THE SITUATION RIGHT NOW IN THE PHILIPPINES

'Ramil' intensifies into typhoon, evac urged

10/17/2009 | 09:15 AM

After entering Philippine territory, tropical cyclone "RAMIL" (international code name “LUPIT") intensified into a typhoon, but may not directly affect the country until Tuesday or Wednesday.

But this early, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned residents in northern and central Luzon to voluntarily evacuate early.

We have to repeat our advise to those living near mountain slopes to evacuate early," Pagasa head Prisco Nilo said in an interview on dzRH radio.

It will be impossible for government to individually evacuate people in so short a time. If you live near a high-risk area, please evacuate to prevent loss of life," he added.

He said it is still too early to say where “Ramil" will head, saying it may be northern Luzon or Central Luzon. A third possibility is that the typhoon will head towards Taiwan.

Either way, he said “Ramil" will bring much rain to the areas it will pass. If it passes central Luzon, it may bring rains to Metro Manila, he added.

BE PREPARED

But Pagasa weather bureau chief Nathaniel Cruz said residents in northern and central Luzon should not fall into a false sense of security, as “Ramil" could be gathering more strength.

It may make itself felt on Tuesday or Wednesday but weather conditions can change, and ‘Ramil’ may speed up," Cruz said on government-run dzRB radio.

He also said the relatively mild winds in Cagayan and parts of Luzon are not from a “weak" typhoon but from the inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ).

Cruz added the longer “Ramil" stays in the water and does not make landfall, the more it can gather strength.

Once it hits, we should be ready for strong winds and rains," he said.

HEIGHTENED ALERT

For its part, the Philippine Coast Guard said it is on alert in the areas expected to be affected.

Coast Guard commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo said going on alert is “automatic" for them, especially in the wake of recent killer tropical cyclones “Ondoy" (Ketsana) and “Pepeng" (Parma).

Even when it was still a low-pressure area we are already preparing," Tamayo said in an interview on dzBB radio.

He said the Coast Guard will be on heightened alert in areas under Signal No. 1, and full alert in areas under Signal No. 2.

As of 2 a.m. Saturday, Pagasa said “Ramil" was estimated at 850 kms east of Virac, Catanduanes with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph and gustiness of up to 150 kph and is moving west-northwest at 20 kph.

In its 5 a.m. bulletin Saturday, Pagasa said “Ramil" continues to move towards northern and central Luzon.

“Bicol Region and the Eastern sections of Visayas and Mindanao will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms. The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers or thunderstorms," it said.

But in its 11 p.m. advisory Friday that “Ramil" is not due to directly affect any part of the country “within the next 36 hours."

Pagasa’s 11 p.m. advisory forecast it to be 580 kms east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes Saturday evening, and 420 kms northeast of Virac, Catanduanes Sunday evening.

By Monday evening it forecast “Ramil" to be 380 kms east of Casiguran, Aurora.

Meanwhile, Pagasa said light to moderate winds blowing from the southwest and southeast will prevail over Luzon and coming from the southwest and west over the rest of the country.

Coastal waters throughout the archipelago will be slight to moderate except during thunderstorms. - GMANews.TV

--------------------

RAMIL'S WINDS MIGHT RIVAL PEPENG'S; NO WORD ON RAIN

MARK D. MERUEÑAS and ANDREO C. CALONZO, GMANews.TV 10/17/2009 | 11:43 AM

(As of 4 p.m.) Typhoon Ramil's slow hovering over the Pacific Ocean might allow it to gather wind strength that would rival, if not surpass, that of Pepeng, with Pagasa officials forecasting a late Tuesday or early Wednesday landfall in northern Luzon. But there is still no forecast about rainfall, which is how Pepeng did its most damage.

This was the latest warning issued by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in a briefing before Saturday noon.

Pagasa expects RAMIL (international name LUPIT), last spotted at 780 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes, to make landfall on Tuesday in northern Luzon, which typhoon 'Pepeng' (Parma) had battered two weeks ago.

Ramil could become stronger than Pepeng," said Pagasa chief Prisco Nilo.

Ramil’s slow movement gives it more time to gather strength at sea," he added.

Weather forecasters are also not discounting the possibility of Ramil’s turning into a supertyphoon.

(Ramil could turn into a supertyphoon)," said weather sciences bureau chief Nathaniel Cruz said, adding that a cyclone could only be categorized as a supertyphoon once it achieves strengths of at least 215 kph.

Ramil currently packs maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center with gustiness of 160 kph, and is expected to intensify as it approaches land.

Pepeng roared in and out of Luzon for 10 days before exiting the Philippine area of responsibility last Saturday.

Before making its first landfall in the Cagayan province on Oct. 3, Pepeng packed maximum sustained winds of 175 kph. It exited into the South China Sea the next day, but it made another landfall over Ilocos Norte after being pulled back on Oct. 6 by tropical cyclone "Quedan" (Melor), which was blowing toward southern Japan.

A relatively weaker Pepeng returned for a third landfall on Oct. 8 before exiting the country two days later.

Pepeng affected at least 662,274 families or 3,106,978 people in 4,585 villages in 361 towns and 35 cities and 27 provinces.

Don't be complacent

Government warned residents, particularly those in the northern regions, against letting the sunny weather lull them into a false sense of security.

Pagasa advised people living in high-risk areas to evacuate as early as now.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde, meanwhile, voiced concern over reports that residents living beside esteros or waterways and creeks in Quezon City have started returning to their homes.

He said it is time for people to learn the lessons from the onslaughts of “Ondoy" (Ketsana) and Pepeng.

“God forbid that situation, but it’s time we learn from the lessons of ‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng.’ Let us not tempt fate so much anymore," he said on government radio.

Remonde reiterated President Arroyo’s instructions to local government officials and the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) to “enhance" their preparations.

Forced evacuations in Benguet

In the northern province of Benguet, where at least 288 were killed in Pepeng-triggered landslides, police officers were going house-to-house to tell people to leave the affected communities before the latest storm, Gov. Nestor Fongwan said.

"Definitely, they must go," Fongwan told The Associated Press.

Other Benguet communities identified as hazardous also were ordered evacuated, Fongwan said.

Disaster officers urged local officials to tell residents to immediately evacuate at the first sign of landslides, Cordillera regional civil defense chief Olive Luces said.

"Some people are just really stubborn and refuse to leave," she said, adding that survivors of Pepeng's landslides told of watching water seep from the walls and floors of homes before the ground collapsed around them.

Military choppers were airlifting food supplies to areas unreachable by land to prepare for Ramil, she said.

Excess water

To prepare for Ramil’s arrival, Pagasa had also advised dam managers to go on with the release of water in at least seven major dams in Luzon.

Because we are anticipating Ramil's landfall, we are continuing the opening of spillways and the rate of the water release," Pagasa weather specialist Max Peralta told GMA News.

Of the seven dams, the Magat Dam in Isabela province is currently releasing the biggest volume of water with 833 cubic meter per second (cms) through two of its floodgates.

The other dams releasing water to the river to prevent reaching their respective spilling levels include Angat Dam and Ipo Dam, both in Bulacan; Ambuklao Dam and Binga Dam in Benguet; San Roque Dam in Pangasinan; and Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija.

At 12 noon, the San Roque Dam increased the rate of its water release from 518 cms to 800 cms, as ordered by the National Power Corporation.

Because our dikes were destroyed, Pagasa is currently observing the water level in Carmen so that we could make sure that the added outflow from San Roque won't overflow," added Susan Espenueva of Pagasa’s hydro metrological division.

Villages to be affected by the release of additional volumes of water are San Manuel, San Nicolas, Tayug, Santa Maria, Asingan, Villasis, Alcala, Bautista, Rosales and Bayambang in Pangasinan.

Relief caravan postponed

Meanwhile, the threat of bad weather has prompted the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to postpone a relief caravan to areas affected by “Ondoy" and “Pepeng."

DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral said her agency has instead decided to speed up the distribution of relief goods to typhoon-hit areas.

We have put off the relief caravan of 100 trucks for now. In the meantime, the DSWD will deliver goods to typhoon-hit regions so they can have stocks of relief goods to use," she said.

She said they continue to distribute relief goods in Northern Luzon and in some parts of Metro Manila that are still flooded.

Other areas where the DSWD will distribute relief goods include those around Laguna Lake, Cainta in Rizal, and Pasig, Taguig and Muntinlupa cities in Metro Manila.

The caravan was initially scheduled to leave Malacañang at 6 a.m. on Monday to deliver relief goods to calamity victims in Northern Luzon.

Health officials say 1.7 million people exposed to floodwaters in and around metropolitan Manila were being threatened by leptospirosis, a disease spread by water contaminated with urine of infected animals. The disease has killed 90 of 1,027 reported cases, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said.

Pagasa, in its 11 a.m. advisory on Saturday, said “Ramil" intensified further as it continued to move toward the northern and Philippines.

As of 10 a.m., Ramil was estimated at 980 km east-southeast of Casiguran, Aurora or at 780 km east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes.

Ramil packed maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph, and is moving west-northwest at 13 kph.

By Sunday morning it is expected to be 700 km east of Casiguran, Aurora. By Monday morning it is expected to be 470 kmseast-northeast of Casiguran, Aurora or at 510 km east of Tuguegarao City.

By Tuesday morning it is expected to be 240 km east of Tuguegarao city in Cagayan province.

“This disturbance will not affect any part of the country within the next 36 hours," Pagasa said.

____________

US Pinoys brave cold in charity walk for RP cyclone victims

Floods prompt revision of protocol on release of water from dams

PAGASA: STORM 'LUPIT' INTENSIFIES AS IT NEARS BICOL

Pepeng death toll now at 419, surpasses Ondoy’s

|

inengsol1500 · October 17, 2009

All models show 'Ramil' will hit N. Luzon: PAGASA

ABS-CBN - Saturday, October 17

All models show 'Ramil' will hit N. Luzon: PAGASA

MANILA - Based on "Lupit's" (local name: "Ramil") current speed and direction, the typhoon will hit northern Luzon, as shown in all typhoon track models used by weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

"All the models we are using have a unanimous forecast that the typhoon would hit northern Luzon," PAGASA administrator Prisco Nilo reported during a National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) briefing on Saturday afternoon.

As of 4 p.m., PAGASA's website said the typhoon has slowed down further, moving northwest at a speed of 13 kilometers per hour (kph). It was spotted 940 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora, packing stronger center winds of 140 kph and gusts of up to 170 kph.

Nilo said the worst-case scenario, based on the worst-case global forecast system model of the United States, is that the typhoon's rainband will continue to grow bigger as it moves closer to the country.

This means that when Ramil makes landfall, it will slow down further and bring more rains over the northern provinces, he added.

He said the expected landfall of the typhoon in northern Luzon is Wednesday night (October 21).

Nilo said the typhoon will most likely cross northern Luzon provinces for three days, from October 21 to October 23 (Friday).

Areas under threat

He said that before the typhoon starts its movement away from land, its rains would put the Cordillera Administrative Region and Pangasinan "under threat."

The Cordilleras suffered the most number of deaths during the onslaught of tropical storm Pepeng (Parma) due to landslides, while 38 towns of Pangasinan were hit by deep floodwaters.

By Saturday (October 25), Nilo said the typhoon would already move out and head towards sea.

Nilo said there were other US forecast models that predict a variety of Ramil's movements.

He said only one of the models predicts that Ramil will head straight to Taiwan. This scenario is still remote based on the typhoon's current movement.

The PAGASA administrator said they have been closely monitoring Ramil's movement since October 15 so as to warn critical areas as earliest as possible.

He said dams along waterways in northern Luzon have been spilling since Friday to give the reservoirs enough buffer to absorb Ramil's predicted heavy rainfall.

The weather bureau's dam monitoring indicated that San Roque dam's managers, who have been blamed for the massive flooding in Pangasinan, have increased its water release from 620 cubic meters per second at 6 a.m. to 768 cms at 4 p.m.

As of 4 p.m., two gates of Angat dam were releasing 234 cms of water; Ipo dam at 315.4 cms; Ambuklao, 120 cms; Binga, 295 cms; Pantabangan, 220 cms; and, Magat, 676 cms.

N. Luzon is the same area that typhoon Peping ravaged. Hopefully, it willl not cause as much damage and loss of lives as Peping. :(

inengsol1500 · October 17, 2009

Leptospirosis deaths soar to 89

Philstar.com - Saturday, October 17

MANILA, Philippines - The death toll from leptospirosis reached 89 as cases of the flood-borne disease in Metro Manila and flooded provinces rose tenfold in the past three days, the Department of Health (DOH) reported yesterday.

Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said the number of leptospirosis admissions in public hospitals in Metro Manila alone soared from 140 on Oct. 12 to 1,027 as of Oct. 15.

Duque added that the 89 leptospirosis deaths brought to 8.6 percent the fatality rate from last year’s 7.5 percent.

“Cases of leptospirosis have really shot up these past few days. In fact, the Metro Manila figure even exceeded the 812 nationwide admissions in government hospitals for the whole of last year,” Duque disclosed.

In Rizal province alone, Duque said a total of 54 leptospirosis cases have been recorded since Oct. 1.

“As we start to see in the National Capital Region (NCR), we also expect a lot of cases in the communities in Rizal, which make up the biggest number of barangays still under water at this time,” Duque noted.

He said the DOH has also declared an outbreak of leptospirosis in three Marikina barangays – Tumana, Concepcion and Malanday.

“Although fewer than five cases were recorded in each barangay, we declared an outbreak because those areas had zero incidence of the infection last year,” Duque said.

Based on a DOH estimate, Duque said 1.7 million people are at risk of acquiring leptospirosis since many areas in Metro Manila and CALABARZON are still submerged.

Of the 1.7 million at risk, Duque said, more than 3,000 are likely to manifest symptoms of the potentially fatal infection.

“We expect 3,800 people to get the infection and of this number, 3,040 will suffer uncomplicated symptoms while the rest will manifest complicated symptoms that would require them to undergo dialysis or face eventual death,” Duque said.

To protect the more than a million people currently exposed to leptospirosis, the DOH has embarked on a massive preventive treatment operation and awareness campaign.

Yesterday, Duque said a team from the DOH has already started giving prophylaxis capsules in barangays in Marikina where there is a leptospirosis outbreak.

Duque said the DOH hopes to provide preventive treatment to 1.3 million people from CALABARZON and the NCR who were affected by flood and exposed to possible leptospirosis infection.

“For the next three weeks, we will be giving 100 mg. prophylaxis capsule once a week to those at risk of acquiring the infection,” Duque said, adding the preventive treatment operations would cost the DOH some P12 million.

Duque said the DOH would also allocate P30.4 million for those people who are already infected and manifesting complicated and uncomplicated symptoms of the disease.

Medical experts clarified that the prophylaxis would only protect the people for a week, thus they are encouraged to avoid wading in floodwaters, especially if they have an open wound.

At this time, Duque said all the 19 government-run hospitals in Metro Manila are on standby for admissions of more leptospirosis patients.

“In case the DOH-run hospitals would not be able to accommodate all the patients, we have already an agreement with some private hospitals and local government-operated hospitals to admit the spillovers,” Duque said.

“We are closely monitoring incidence of leptospirosis, which is now the most critical of the diseases affecting the typhoon-affected regions of NCR and CALABARZON,” he added.

Aside from leptospirosis, DOH also recorded high incidence of respiratory tract infection, skin wounds and diarrhea among residents of NCR and CALABARZON.

Duque said the DOH is also closely monitoring areas severely ravaged by typhoon “Pepeng.”

“We are conducting surveillance in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon, but there are no reports of outbreaks of flood-borne diseases,” Duque said.

Meanwhile, DOH regional director Rio Magpantay said Nueva Ecija has the most number of leptospirosis cases among flood-affected provinces in Central Luzon. A total of 55 people in Nueva Ecija contracted leptospirosis and four have already died from the disease.

In Tarlac, 16 cases were noted with one fatality, Bulacan has 12 reported cases with one death and Pampanga has five cases with one casualty. Aurora, on the other hand, has one case and one death reported, Magpantay said.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection associated with rat urine that can lead to kidney failure.

But Magpantay explained that the infection could also come from animals like cattle, pigs, horses, dogs and wild animals. Symptoms include fever, a red skin rash and general weakness. Headaches, adverse reaction to light, muscle and joint pains, vomiting and fatigue are also common symptoms.

Malacañang not alarmed

In spite of the rising cases of leptospirosis in the country, Malacañang refused to say that this was alarming and expressed confidence that the concerned authorities would be able to address the situation.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said that the Palace is “concerned but not alarmed” by the reported deaths from leptospirosis.

Remonde said that the President has ordered the DOH to deploy more health workers to flood-affected areas where clustering of leptospirosis cases was reported.

He pointed out that one of the first directives issued by the President after Metro Manila was hit by heavy flooding brought about by storm “Ondoy” was to clean up the streets of garbage as well as the draining of floodwaters.

“This is being done but the problem is really more complicated in some of the areas, so the draining would take some time to complete,” Remonde said in Filipino.

He said that the Palace and the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) are aware of the problems in the evacuation centers, particularly the risk of disease spreading among the evacuees.

“This is one of the reasons why we have to clear these evacuation centers soon because the longer the evacuees stay in the evacuation centers, the more susceptible they are to the spread of diseases,” Remonde said.

He also reported that multinational pharmaceutical company Pfizer, through its medical director Dr. Anthony Leachon, has committed to donate medicine to treat leptospirosis.

Meanwhile, a group of medical organizations asked the government yesterday to divert its budget for health-related infomercials to arresting the outbreaks of leptospirosis.

Dr. Julie Caguiat, spokesperson of Samahang Operasyong Sagip (SOS), said the government should “decisively act” on the surging number of leptospirosis patients and other potential outbreaks in areas devastated by back-to-back storm Ondoy and typhoon Pepeng.

“If the government has money to pay for medical advisories, print ads, it must have more funds for disease outbreaks,” she noted in a statement.

While the DOH had reportedly directed its hospitals to render free services to leptospirosis victims, the SOS has been receiving reports that many patients were being turned away due to lack of facilities.

“These are extraordinary moments which require extraordinary decisions by the government. Most of the disaster affected communities are the urban poor who have no means to pay for medical services at this point,” Caguiat added.

She maintained the government should spend more money to ensure adequate treatment and management of patients than spend for infomercials. – With Marvin Sy, Sheila Crisostomo - By Mayen Jaymalin (Philstar News Service, http://www.philstar.com)

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Top 5 illnesses affecting Evacuation Centers 1). Athlete's Foot, 2). Fever, 3). Coughs, 4). Colds and 5). Tetanus.PNRC Hotline: 527-0000/143 [twitter.com/philredcross]

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Thanks so much, Nancy for the updates. :hug: :)

nancyk58 · October 17, 2009

Inengsol1500: Thanks so much, Nancy for the updates.

You're welcome. And thanks for your informative updates.

nancyk58 · October 17, 2009

SOME HEADLINES FROM GMA NEWS.TV - the situation in the Philippines

» Release of water from Magat Dam continues as ‘Ramil’ nears

» NDCC alerts Luzon regions as typhoon ‘Ramil’ gains strength

» 'Ramil' intensifies into typhoon, evac urged

» Storm 'Ramil' enters RP area of responsibility – Pagasa

» US Pinoys brave cold in charity walk for RP cyclone victims

All models show 'Ramil' will hit N. Luzon: PAGASA

ABS-CBN - Saturday, October 17

nancyk58 · October 18, 2009

UPDATES OF THE SITUATION IN SOUTHEAST ASIA on 18 October 2009

'RAMIL’ INTENSIFIES FURTHER, SLOWLY MOVES TOWARDS NORTH LUZON (10/18/2009 | 07:52 AM - Updated 11:40 a.m.)

Typhoon “Ramil" (Lupit) intensified further as it continued its northwest path Sunday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said.

In its 11 a.m. advisory, the state weather bureau said Ramil now packs maximum sustained winds of 170 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 210 kph.

Pagasa chief Prisco Nilo said in a press conference, however, that even as Ramil gained strength, it has slowed down and is forecast to remain stationary because a high pressure area near Hong Kong is affecting its speed.

Nilo said that Ramil might make landfall over extreme Northern Luzon or in Cagayan province on “Wednesday evening or Thursday morning."

On Sunday, RAMIL is estimated to be 1,060 kilometers east-southeast of Aparri, Cagayan or 1,010 km northeast of Casiguran, Aurora.

Pagasa predicts that RAMIL will be 1,060 km east of Aparri Cagayan on Monday morning; 820 km east of Aparri on Tuesday morning, and 490 km east of Aparri on Wednesday morning.

_________________________

Govt agencies brace for disaster as 'Ramil' heads toward North Luzon (10/18/2009 | 04:47 PM)

As typhoon “Ramil" (Lupit) roars and gathers strength over the Pacific Ocean, Philippine disaster-response agencies set up possible evacuation centers, organize quick-reaction teams, place hospitals and health personnel on 24/7 duty and move packed goods to areas in north Luzon that might be hit by the cyclone.

In a coordinated pre-positioning of relief and rescue logistics, government line agencies are bracing for a disaster waiting to happen in northernmost Luzon, even as the state weather bureau expected that Ramil would spare the National Capital Region.

In a media briefing Sunday morning, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) chief weather forecaster Prisco Nilo said that the typhoon might hit north Luzon in three days, with sustained winds of 175 kph and gusts of 210 kph.

BLUE CODE ALERT

Government hospitals in most parts of Luzon went on blue alert Sunday in preparation for typhoon 'RAMIL' (LUPIT), which is expected to hit the country Wednesday or Thursday.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said the Department of Health (DOH) had sent alert memos to six Luzon regions the typhoon threatens to hit, namely Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, Metro Manila and Cordillera.

“DOH ... maintained blue alert code with manpower on duty; prepositioned medicines and medical supplies," the NDCC said in its 6 a.m. update, posted on its Website Sunday noon.

A CODE BLUE ALERT means medical personnel will be on duty 24 hours a day, and that hospitals and community health units are prepared to accept an influx of casualties.

Quick-response team

On Sunday morning, the Philippine Army said that it has already formed a special contingent to respond to possible emergency situations that Ramil might bring in the coming days.

Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr, public affairs chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said that the Army Contingent for Emergency Battalion is composed of about 500 soldiers.

“It was commissioned yesterday (Saturday) to help especially in terms of disaster relief," Brawner said in an interview on dzBB radio. He added that the battalion is currently based in Metro Manila, but would be sent to provinces that Ramil could hit.

NAVY ON RED ALERT AS TYPHOON 'RAMIL' HEADS TOWARD NORTHERN LUZON:

As parts of Luzon brace for the arrival of typhoon “Ramil" (Lupit), the Philippine Navy said Sunday it has put its forces in Northern, Central and Southern Luzon on red alert status.

Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo said their forces in these areas are ready to pre-position assets and equipment for possible search and rescue operations.

We have been on red alert since Saturday," Arevalo said in an interview on dzBB radio, adding they have learned some lessons from responding to victims of flooding caused by past cyclones including “Ondoy" (Ketsana) and “Pepeng" (Parma).

He said they are particularly waiting for calls to pre-position especially in the Cagayan-Aparri area, where Ramil is expected to hit.

But Arevalo admitted that Navy personnel have been strained and their resources are getting thin after the efforts they exerted in the last two cyclones. “Our resources are getting thin, and our people are getting fatigued," he said.

But in the meantime, he said they are preparing their equipment and vehicles, including choppers, Islander planes, 18 M-35 trucks, 18 rubber boats, and amphibious vehicles and trucks.

He also said their personnel are equipped this time with ropes and mountaineering equipment for possible rescue operations.

Arevalo said that in having the Navy’s Southern Luzon unit go on red alert as well. “We are not taking any chances. The weather path of the storm could change." - GMANews.TV

LOOMING DISASTER AMID RUBBLES

Typhoon Ramil is threatening to batter Luzon even as the residents there are still grappling with the deadly aftermath of storm Ondoy which struck on Sept. 16 and triggered the worst flooding in Manila in over 40 years. It was followed by typhoon Pepeng on Oct. 3, which lingered for a week, drenching northern mountain provinces and causing landslides that buried many homes.

The two storms killed 773 people and inundated the homes of more than 7 million. Hundreds were still in emergency shelters in landslide-hit Benguet province, 130 miles (210 kilometers) north of the capital, Manila, when news of the new typhoon spread.

About 20 tons of rice, canned sardines and noodles were being packed and will be delivered to far-flung mountain townships in advance in case landslides again cut off transport in Benguet, a gold-mining and vegetable-producing region of more than 300,000 people, disaster-response officer Olive Luces said.

RAMIL, which was almost stationary at 1,060 kilometers off the northern Philippine coast, could clip the northern Philippines on Wednesday or veer toward Taiwan. Metropolitan MANILA, which enjoyed sunny weather Sunday, will likely be spared, Nilo said. - GMANews.TV, with a report from the Associated Press

nancyk58 · October 18, 2009

GMA News.TV and AP / THE SITUATION IN THE PHILIPPINES:

As 'Ramil' heads for RP, govt vows to be ready this time (10/18/2009 | 04:47 PM - Updated 9:08 p.m.)

As Typhoon Ramil gathers strength, the government intends to avoid repeating the disaster of being ill-prepared: Agencies are setting up evacuation centers, placing health personnel on 24/7 duty, and moving packed goods to northern Luzon, where the storm is expected to make landfall. All hope the storm doesn't live up to its international name, Lupit.

In a coordinated pre-positioning of relief and rescue logistics, government line agencies are bracing for yet another disaster in northernmost Luzon, even as the state weather bureau predicted that Ramil would spare the National Capital Region.

If it makes landfall in the country, "RAMIL" would be the third storm to hit Luzon in less than a month. Both Ondoy and Pepeng lost a lot of their wind strength by the time they made landfall but dumped record-setting amounts of rain.

Any storm that would approximate those first two would compound one of the most destructive sequences of disasters in the nation's history, with unprecedented flooding in Metro Manila, towns around Laguna Lake, and major cities in northern Luzon, and dozens of landslides in the Cordillera mountains. Pepeng isolated Baguio City for the first time since the 1990 earthquake; access was re-established last week.

In a media briefing Sunday morning, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) chief weather forecaster Prisco Nilo said that the new typhoon might hit north Luzon in three days, with sustained winds of 175 kph and gusts of 210 kph.

As of 5 p.m. Sunday, Ramil maintained its strength and stayed stationary off Aparri, Cagayan Sunday afternoon, Pagasa said in its advisory.

Ramil is expected to be 1,200 kms east of Aparri, Cagayan by Monday afternoon. By Tuesday afternoon it is expected to be 830 kms northeast of Aparri, Cagayan or at 980 kms east of Basco, Batanes. By Wednesday afternoon the forecast for the location is 630 kms east of Basco, Batanes.

Government hospitals in most parts of Luzon went on blue alert Sunday in preparation for the looming disaster. A Code Blue alert means medical personnel will be on duty 24 hours a day, and that hospitals and community health units are prepared to accept an influx of casualties.

The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said the Department of Health (DOH) had sent alert memos to six Luzon regions the typhoon threatens to hit, namely Ilocos, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, Metro Manila and Cordillera.

“DOH... maintained blue alert code with manpower on duty; prepositioned medicines and medical supplies," the NDCC said in its 6 a.m. update, posted on its Website Sunday noon.

In Pangasinan, one of the provinces badly hit by typhoon "Pepeng" last week, all city and municipal mayors had been ordered to prepare possible preemptive or forcible evacuations of families in low-lying areas.

"You are advised to stay alert, be proactive, and to take all precautionary measures to secure your respective constituents and to prevent unnecessary casualties," provincial administrator Raffy Baraan quoted Governor Amado Espino Jr's order in a text message.

Espino had likewise directed all police units in the province to coordinate with their respective mayors as soon as possible.

Quick-response team

On Sunday morning, the Philippine Army said that it has formed a special contingent to respond to possible emergency situations that Ramil might bring in the coming days.

Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr, public affairs chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said that the Army Contingent for Emergency Battalion is composed of about 500 soldiers.

“It was commissioned yesterday (Saturday), binuo nang sa gayon ay makatulong especially in terms of disaster relief (to help especially in terms of disaster relief)," Brawner said in an interview on dzBB radio.

He added that the batallion is currently based in Metro Manila, but would be sent to provinces that Ramil could hit.

The Philippine Navy, on the other hand, said that it has put its forces in Northern, Central and Southern Luzon on red alert status.

Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo said their forces in these areas are ready to pre-position assets and equipment for possible search and rescue operations.

We have been on red alert since Saturday," Arevalo said in an interview on dzBB radio, adding they have learned some lessons from responding to victims of flooding caused by past cyclones including Ondoy(Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma).

He said they are particularly waiting for calls to preposition especially in the Cagayan-Aparri area, where Ramil is expected to hit.

But Arevalo admitted that Navy personnel have been strained and their resources are getting thin after the efforts they exerted in the last two cyclones.

"Our resources are getting thin and our people are getting fatigued," he said.

But in the meantime, he said they are preparing their equipment and vehicles, including choppers, Islander planes, 18 M-35 trucks, 18 rubber boats, and amphibious vehicles and trucks.

Looming disaster

Ramil is threatening to batter Luzon even as the residents there are still grappling with the deadly aftermath of storm Ondoy which struck on Sept. 26 and triggered the worst flooding in Manila in over 40 years.

Ondoy was followed last Oct. 3 by typhoon "Pepeng,", which lingered for a week, drenching northern mountain provinces and causing landslides that buried many homes.

The two storms killed 773 people and inundated the homes of more than 7 million. Hundreds were still in emergency shelters in landslide-hit Benguet province, 130 miles (210 kilometers) north of the capital, Manila, when news of the new typhoon spread.

About 20 tons of rice, canned sardines and noodles were being packed and will be delivered to far-flung mountain townships in advance in case landslides again cut off transport in Benguet, a gold-mining and vegetable-producing region of more than 300,000 people, disaster-response officer Olive Luces said.

Ramil, which was almost stationary at 1,060 kilometers off the northern Philippine coast, could clip the northern Philippines on Wednesday or veer toward Taiwan. Metropolitan Manila, which enjoyed sunny weather Sunday, will likely be spared, Pagasa said. - AP and GMANews.TV

nancyk58 · October 19, 2009

UPDATE OF THE SITUATION IN THE SOUTHEAST ASIA on 19 October 2009

Asia-Pacific Disasters Children's Appeal

(source: http://www.unicef.org.uk/emergency/emergency_detail.asp?emergency=62)

In the last week of September, three separate natural disasters hit the Asia-Pacific region: Typhoon KETSANA, which caused flooding in the PHILIPPINES capital MANILA and later hit VIETNAM and CAMBODIA, the SAMOA tsunami, which affected American Samoa, SAMOA and TONGA, and the SUMATRA earthquake, which caused devastation in INDONESIA.

Sumatra earthquake

On 30 September, two earthquakes struck off the coast of West Sumatra. Over 1,000 people are now known to have died and a further 1,000 are missing. A semblance of normality is starting to return to the city but hopes of finding more quake survivors, especially in remote villages, are fading. Rescue workers continue to arrive but heavy rain and collapsed buildings are hindering their work.

UNICEF estimates that up to 180,000 children have been affected, and is working to provide assistance for up to 50,000 families. This includes supplying water pumps, water storage equipment, jerry cans, hygiene kits, soap and toothbrushes. We are also providing protective services and safe places for children and have supplied 250 school tents, 60 schools-in-a-box kits and recreational kits to support the return to school of nearly 70,000 children.

Much remains to be done and UNICEF needs more than £1.5 million to support immunisation campaigns to prevent the outbreak of disease, to re-establish clean water and sanitation and to ensure that children who have lost their parents are adequately cared for in their communities.

PHILIPPINES floods

On 26 September, Typhoon Ketsana hit Manila, capital of the Philippines, deluging it with 45 cm (18 inches) of rain in 12 hours. A state of calamity has been declared and the Philippines Government has appealed for immediate international assistance. The death toll of the storm, known locally as ‘Ondoy’, has risen to over 300. More than 3 million people have been affected, with about 200,000 sheltering in evacuation centres. Over 1 million of these are children.

UNICEF is calling for £8 million in funds to respond to the disaster. The priority needs are food, drinking water, household items, bedding, and clothing. There is also an urgent need for water, sanitation, hygiene and health care. Access to the worst-affected areas and the restoration of water services and electricity will require extensive clearing operations. We also need to return schools being used as evacuation centres to their original purpose and provide education and protection to displaced and affected children.

So far, UNICEF has supplied £90,000 worth of food and other items, via the Department of Social Welfare and Development. We have also distributed hygiene kits, essential medicines, water purification tablets, portable toilets and family kits containing blankets and soap.

Samoa tsunami

On 29 September, American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga were hit by a tsunami, following an 8.3 magnitude earthquake striking of the coast of Samoa. Over 170 people have been killed in the three countries. In Samoa alone, up to 15,000 people have been affected, 9,000 of them children. Of these, 6,500 people, including up to 4,000 children, have been forced to leave their homes. It is reported that 40 villages have been affected, 20 of which were completely destroyed.

UNICEF is calling for £125,000 to fund the emergency response. We have already sent urgent immunisation supplies to Samoa and Tonga to guard against the outbreak of disease, along with supplies of oral rehydration salts and water purification tablets. We are planning to set up nutrition, water and sanitation programs and are working with Samoa and Tongan partners to provide protection for women and children.

Find out more

Donate now to our Asia-Pacific Disasters Children's Appeal

Fundraise for the Asia-Pacific Disasters

Read the latest news on these natural disasters

View a photo gallery of children affected by the disasters

View a photo gallery of the Sumatra eathquake

Audio: UNICEF's response to flooding in Manila

Audio: Preparing for natural disasters in the Philippines to a friend

Current emergencies: Asia-Pacific Disasters Childrens Appeal

UNICEF rapid response team on the ground in Samoa

News item 06 October 2009 (the contents still apply)

A team of six emergency personnel is currently conducting rapid assessments in SAMOA to ensure that the urgent needs of children are met following the earthquake and tsunami that struck the Pacific Island nation on Tuesday, September 29.

UNICEF Pacific Representative, Dr. Isiye Ndombi said “From experience, UNICEF knows that in an emergency children are the most affected. It is therefore essential they have access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and are able to resume education.”

“Our key relief priorities and response are in the areas of water and sanitation, health, education and protection,” he said.

Children displaced by the floods in the Philippines are living in schools rather than attending classes

UNICEF delivers life-saving gift after Indonesia earthquake (News item 09 October 2009)

The children and families in the Agam district of Indonesia’s West Sumatra experienced not one massive natural disaster last week but three successive blows.

First, on 30 September, an earthquake measuring 7.6 on the Richter-scale destroyed most of the houses at the small hamlet nestled in the mountainous surroundings of Maninjau Lake. Then an aftershock caused the limestone cliffs to cave in. Later, several nights of torrential rain triggered a landslide burying the remaining rubble in a deluge of mud.

Today, the quake survivors received some of the 40,000 hygiene kits being rushed by UNICEF to the province, each containing soap, detergent, toothbrush, tooth paste, towels and buckets, and all vital to staving off disease.

UNICEF's FIRSTHAND ACCOUNT OF THE SITUATION IN WEST SUMATRA 5 Oct.2009

Angela Kearney, UNICEF’s Representative in Indonesia, describes the situation in Pariaman, WEST SUMATRA, following the recent earthquake.

"I've travelled to the Pariaman province in West Sumatra to visit a village 70km outside of PADANG CITY. This area was one of the worst affected by the recent earthquake that shook Indonesia and shattered the lives of thousands of children here. As UNICEF’s Representative for Indonesia, I'm here to talk to the families affected by the disaster and to ensure that UNICEF’s aid relief is working.

"Ironically Pariaman means 'safe area', but it is painfully clear on arrival that the recent earthquake has brought DEVASTATION and RUIN to the local residents. Buildings are destroyed, families are homeless and daily life has been brought to a standstill.

Nearly 70,000 children return to classes after earthquake 5 October 2009

Less than one week after a major earthquake devastated the Indonesia province of WEST SUMATRA, nearly 70,000 children have returned to classes in the city of Padang, according to local education authorities, as UNICEF rushed school supplies to the region.

UNICEF facilitates return to school for children in Padang, Sumatra

UNICEF's firsthand account of the situation in Samoa

UNICEF mobilises nearly £1 million in aid for Asia-Pacific disasters

UNICEF Pacific mobilises support for children in Samoa and Tonga

http://www.unicef.org.uk/press/news_detail.asp?news_id=1391

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INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS / ICRC

Heavy rains, flash floods, storms and landslides continue to cause widespread devastation in many Asian countries. Across South and East Asia, volunteers and staff from the Red Cross and Red Crescent have been responding to the disasters by helping rescue people, distributing emergency relief and providing essential services, such as health care and clean water.

This year's destruction comes following three particularly harsh storm and flood seasons in 2006, 2007 and 2008, which left many poor residents struggling to recover.

http://www.ifrc.org/what/disasters/response/asia-floods/index.asp

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PHILIPPINES:

With two events in Washington D.C., world-renowned singer-stage actress Lea Salonga managed to raise $19,000 (P889,200) for victims of tropical cyclones “Ondoy" (Ketsana) and “Pepeng" (Parma).

DSWD vows ‘politico-proof’ distribution of relief goods

Pagasa eyes raising storm signals starting Tuesday noon

nancyk58 · October 19, 2009

UPDATE OF THE SITUATION IN THE SOUTHEAST ASIA on 19 October 2009

UPDATES FROM GMANews.TV

EVACUATE WHILE THERE IS STILL TIME, NLUZON RESIDENTS TOLD

Residents in northern Luzon provinces, particularly those living in landslide-prone areas, are being advised to evacuate this early and not wait for typhoon “RAMIL" (international name LUPIT) to make landfall, according to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who also heads the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC).

He said the advice specially goes to residents of Benguet and Mt. Province due to their mountainous terrain.

The two provinces, including the popular mountain resort city of Baguio, were the worst-hit by landslides at the height of typhoon “Pepeng" (Parma) two weeks ago, killing more than 300 people and cutting off many areas from outside supplies and relief efforts due to road closures.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Monday said RAMIL would probably wreak havoc on the same areas that were battered by Pepeng.

“The mayors should identify the safe places in their areas [to evacuate the residents]," Teodoro said.

In preparation for Ramil, which is expected to make landfall this Thursday, the government has started pre-positioning relief goods and search and rescue assets in areas that are likely to be hit by the typhoon.

“We have reinforced our food stocks especially in areas that are in danger of being cut off like Batanes, Cagayan Valley," Teodoro said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), for its part, has placed its units in North Luzon under blue alert status, the second highest in the military’s three-tiered alert level system.

“We have pre-positioned our different units in areas where rescue operations may be needed. We are now on blue alert for the possible arrival of typhoon Ramil," said AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner.

“Our rubbers boats are pre-positioned. The Navy and then the Air Force are also making their own actions to position their aircraft on possible areas [that may be hit by Ramil]," he added. - GMANews.TV

‘RAMIL’ LIKELY TO HIT AREAS BATTERED BY 'PEPENG' - PAGASA (10/19/2009 | 08:50 PM )

The state weather forecaster on Monday expressed fears that typhoon "RAMIL" (international name: LUPIT) will probably wreak havoc on the same areas that were battered by typhoon "Pepeng" (Parma) two weeks ago.

In an interview with GMA News, Nathaniel Cruz, weather bureau chief of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said "Ramil" continued to move towards "extreme northern Luzon," which covers the provinces of Cagayan, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, and Batanes.

"It's cause for concern because the tools we use really show the increased possibility of 'RAMIL' hitting northern LUZON," Cruz said in a separate phone interview.

As of 4 p.m. Monday, "RAMIL" was sighted 1,070 kilometers east of Aparri, Cagayan and packing peak winds of 195 km per hour (kph), with gusts of up to 230 kph. It is forecasted to move west northwest at 17 kph.

Cruz said the current cyclone is much stronger than "PEPENG" that reached peak winds of 175 kph.

In a press conference, Pagasa chief Prisco Nilo said “RAMIL’s" strength could even intensify into 200 kph before it makes landfall in Cagayan province on Thursday morning or afternoon. “We expect it to gather strength," Nilo said.

Cruz said if "Ramil" would not change its course, the storm will slam into the provinces of Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte, and will also affect the provinces of Isabela, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Benguet, and Pangasinan.

People in these areas can expect bad weather especially on Thursday as the typhoon approaches. Based on our estimates, it's possible that starting tomorrow [Tuesday] afternoon cloudiness and rains will be felt in the two areas of eastern Luzon especially Cagayan Valley. – Aie Balagtas See and Sophia M. Dedace,

GMANews.TV

RAMIL SUSTAINS STRENGTH, HEADS FOR NLUZON SLOWLY

"RAMIL" (international name: LUPIT) maintained its strength as its moves northwest slowly toward Northern Luzon, state weather forecasters said Monday noon.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) chief Prisco Nilo said the typhoon might affect the Cagayan-Isabela area starting late Wednesday even as its landfall is expected Thursday morning.

Citing information from their instruments, Nilo said the effects of the typhoon will likely be felt late Wednesday in the Cagayan-Isabela area.

PAGASA EYES RAISING STORM SIGNALS STARTING TUESDAY NOON

State weather forecasters do not expect to raise storm warning signals over any area in Luzon threatened by typhoon "Ramil" (Lupit) until Tuesday noon.

Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) chief Prisco Nilo said Monday that rains may start falling over the eastern part of Northern Luzon Tuesday.

We do not expect Ramil' to have any effect on the country until Tuesday noon," Nilo said in an interview on dzXL radio.

Nilo said the cyclone remains on course to make landfall on extreme Northern Luzon, likely in Northern Cagayan.

On the other hand, Pagasa forecaster Ben Oris said the typhoon has started moving again, and is heading for provinces in North Luzon. It is heading for Northern Luzon, Cagayan, Isabela, Ilocos and La Union," he said in an interview on dzBB radio.

nancyk58 · October 19, 2009