Oil tanker sinks, hundreds of thousands affected as ‘super typhoon’ hits Philippines
ONE An oil tanker carrying 1.4 million liters of fuel also sank in rough seas off the capital.in Manila Bay.
Now weakened into a typhoon, Gaemi (locally known as Carina) combined with the influence of the southwest monsoon to bring heavy rain and winds to the western island of Luzon, home to more than half of the Philippines’ population.
The rain and flooding on Wednesday alone affected nearly 400,000 people, with about 198,000 seeking shelter in evacuation centers. At least 13 people have died, with reports that two more may have died.
Besides, La Mesa Dam, located near the capital Metro Manila, has reached overflow level., OCHA say in one flash update issued late Thursday.
Flood risk map.
Water levels in the dam have returned to normal and the storm left the Philippines on Thursday, OCHA added. The weather has also improved somewhat, but rain is forecast to continue through the weekend.
Oil tanker capsized
In addition to the human impact, a tanker carrying 1.4 million liters (about 400,000 gallons) of industrial fuel sunk in Manila Bay between the waves and strong winds.
The Philippine Coast Guard rescued 16 of the 17 crew members from the ship but Containing the oil spill was complicated by strong winds and sea conditions..
The oil spill is said to have stretched for several kilometers and could reach the coast of the capital Manila, according to media reports. The ship, Motor Tanker (MT) Terra Nova, is said to have not yet broken up.
Have concerns that the oil spill could have serious effects on the marine environment as well as the livelihoods of fishing communities that depend on the sea.
Government-led response
OCHA also reported that the Philippine Government is taking the lead in coordinating the response and early recovery efforts.
Authorities have distributed more than 360,000 food packages to families and are clearing roads damaged by rain and landslides.
Humanitarian agencies, such as the Philippine Red Cross, have mobilized first aid stations and ambulances across Manila, Pasig and Bataan. They also distribute hot meals and provide psychosocial support.
Detailed assessments are underway and priority needs identified so far include hygiene and sanitation kits, logistics, waterborne disease prevention, food and drinking water.
Disaster response and rescue workers evacuate children and families from flooded homes in Quezon City, Philippines.
Worries during the school year
With widespread flooding, road closures and power outages reported in rural areas, and the new school year starting on Monday (July 29), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)UNICEF) expressed deep concern about impact on children.
“In any emergency, children are among the hardest hit.. They continue to bear the brunt of extreme weather events caused by climate change,” the agency said in a press release.
The report also said the Philippines had the highest number of children displaced by weather-related events in the past six years, with 9.7 million children, and 97 percent of children there experienced three or more types of hazards.
Help children contribute
“Children in the Philippines should not have to fear for their lives every time a powerful typhoon hits.“, said the head of UNICEF in the country, Edgar Donoso Paz.
He added that while the climate crisis is threatening children’s futures and causing them harm, children and young people should be involved in recovery and adaptation efforts.
“While they are vulnerable, Children and young people take an active role in risk reduction and work with adults. They bring important skills, experience and innovative solutions,” he added.
