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Add to Preferred SourcesMore than 844,000 people have been affected in the Philippines as the heavy rains and floods that swept across Mindanao and Luzon islands 10 days ago, have continued to wreak havoc.
The continuous heavy rainfall, that began on 7 July, has caused flash floods and landslides in low-lying villages in the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and Lanao del Sur. So far, local authorities have confirmed that 8 people have died, 21 are injured and 2 individuals are missing.
Severe damage
Local farmlands and vital infrastructure have suffered heavy damage, and more than 300 houses have been destroyed by the flooding and landslides. Approximately 4,400 families have been displaced and are scattered across 31 different evacuation centers, with limited access to clean water, food, and other necessities.
With many of these evacuation centers heavily congested, multiple families have been forced to share cramped tents. Many individuals are now becoming sick with illnesses such as diarrhoea, and fever is on the rise due to limited access to health, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.
Preparing a response
Islamic Relief has delivered food packs to more than 3,500 vulnerable families across the flood-affected regions of Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao, and North Cotabato.
In Maguindanao del Norte, we have completed building communal kitchens in evacuation camps for displaced families. These communal kitchens allow families, many of whom have had their houses destroyed, to prepare their food in a designated area rather than in their crowded tents.
Organized garbage disposal systems were also installed, making it easier for families to get rid of waste and keep their camps clean.
With more heavy rain forecast, Islamic Relief will continue working with local authorities and other humanitarian actors in the area to support the flood-stricken communities – the next round of distribution will look to provide hygiene kits to more than 2,400 displaced families in the region of Maguindanao del Sur.