The Philippines devastated by back-to-back typhoons

The Philippines have been hit by two massive typhoons within approximately one week.

Typhoon Goni (locally know as Rolly) hit central Philippines on November 1, first crossing the island of Catanduanes and then on to the main island of Luzon, leaving massive devastation in its wake.

With sustained winds of up to 251km/h, the super typhoon caused flash flooding and landslides, took out power supplies, bridges and roads and caused widespread damage to buildings and farmland. According to initial assessments, up to 90 per cent of homes have been damaged or destroyed in some communities on Catanduanes island, which bore the brunt of the typhoon.

Merely days later, another major storm hit the Philippines and many of the same communities already devastated by the super typhoon. Typhoon Vamco (locally known as Ulysses) swept across Metro Manila and Luzon on November 11, triggering massive floods, submerging hundreds of thousands of homes and leaving communities in need of relief. The 21^st storm to the country this year, Typhoon Vamco, made the humanitarian response more challenging and worsened the already dire situation of more than a 2 million people affected by Typhoon Goni.

Philippine Red Cross teams are currently on the ground, supporting search and rescue efforts, and providing critical relief including food, blankets, tarpaulins, and cooking equipment. Due to the magnitude of the two storms, additional support from the Red Cross Movement has been requested.

Canadians wishing to support the Canadian Red Cross’ response to the typhoons in the Philippines can make a donation to the Philippines Typhoons Goni & Vamco Fund.