As powerful Typhoon Haima continues to strengthen and barrel towards the Philippines, CARE is preparing to support affected communities with emergency supplies. An estimated 2.7 million people in the northern part of the country are predicted to be affected by extremely strong winds and heavy rainfall.
CARE’s Country Director in the Philippines, David Gazashvili said: “Typhoon Haima is reported to be the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year, and may cause significant damage to infrastructure and livelihoods. Our emergency team and partners on the ground are helping communities prepare for this typhoon and are ready to provide relief assistance.”
The Philippines weather bureau said Haima has reached maximum winds of up to 210 km/h with gusts of up to 260 km/h.
“This strong typhoon could become a super typhoon and may cause storm surges in coastal communities and landslides and flash floods in low-lying areas,” said Mr Gazashvili.
This is the third emergency that CARE has responded to in this area since November 2015. The humanitarian aid organisation is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with local partners and government bodies and has prepositioned food packs and relief items in areas likely to be affected.
CARE has worked in the Philippines since 1949, providing emergency relief when disaster strikes and helping communities prepare for disasters. CARE's past responses in the Philippines have included Typhoon Bopha in 2012, Haiyan in 2013, Hagupit in 2014, Koppu and Melor in 2015. CARE continues to assist Typhoon Haiyan-affected communities to rebuild their livelihoods.
Donate to CARE’s Global Emergency Fund at www.care.org.au/emergency or call 1800 DONATE (1800 020 046)
For interviews contact Nerida Williams on 0412 449 691