By Sam Bolitho
Emergency teams in the Philippines from international humanitarian organisation CARE are preparing for the arrival of Typhoon Melor, as it approaches areas hit hard by Typhoon Haiyan two years ago.
The category-three storm, known locally as Nona, is expected to make landfall on Monday night local time.
Packing winds of up to 150kmh, the storm is likely to bring heavy rain which could cause flash flooding and landslides.
Storm surges of up to 3.6 metres are also possible in coastal areas.
“This storm is looking big and heading straight for communities that were devastated just two years ago by Typhoon Haiyan. We’re working to ensure people are prepared, and our team will be set to respond should the worst eventuate,” said Tess Bayombong, CARE’s acting country director in the Philippines.
CARE’s Tacloban office is taking precautionary measures and key emergency staff are ready to conduct rapid assessments if needed.
CARE is monitoring weather updates and will provide updates as they become available.
CARE has a long history in the Philippines that stretches back to 1949. CARE has been providing emergency relief when disasters strike and helping communities prepare for future disasters. CARE responded to Typhoon Ketsana (2009), Typhoon Bopha (2012) and again when Super Typhoon Haiyan ripped through the central Philippines in 2013, affecting more than four million people.
CARE Australia is an international humanitarian aid organisation fighting poverty, with a special focus on working with women and girls to bring lasting change to their communities. Donations to CARE’s Global Emergency Fund can be made at www.care.org.au.
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Interviews with CARE staff in Philippines are available. Contact Sam Bolitho (0419 567 777) to arrange.