6 January 2012

Tropical Storm Sendong (Washi): Mimaropa, Mindanao and Visayas, Republic of the Philippines – update 1

This revises the Clinical Update of 19 December 2011: Tropical Storm Sendong (Washi): Mimaropa, Mindanao and Visayas, Republic of the Philippines

Tropical Storm Sendong (Washi), which occurred in December 2011, has affected eight cities in 13 provinces of Regions VI, VII, IX, X, XI, Caraga and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). As of 4 January 2012, there have been 1,257 confirmed deaths, and 4,658 have been reported injured. Over 724,700 people are estimated to have been affected by the disaster with many displaced from their homes. Rescue operations are ongoing. The biggest impact has been seen in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in Region X (Northern Mindanao Province). A State of Calamity in Regions VII, IX, X, XI and Caraga was declared by the President of the Republic of the Philippines on 20 December 2011 [1].

A map of affected areas can be accessed on the Relief website.

Heavy rains in the Philippines usually occur between the months of July to November.

The Department of Health in Region X has reported an increase in cases of leptospirosis with several deaths [2-4]. As of 5 January 2012, 314 cases and eight deaths have been reported in flood-affected Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan of Region X (Northern Mindanao) [4]. Disease surveillance is ongoing and leptospirosis prophylaxis measures have been implemented [1- 4].

As of 5 January 2012, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has warned of the possibility of raised coastal waters and new flash floods in coastal areas of Region X and other low-lying areas [5].

Advice for travellers

Public services are likely to be disrupted in affected areas and access to healthcare may be limited. Flooding may increase the risk of water-borne diseases and where possible food and water hygiene measures should be followed. Road travel is likely to be more hazardous as a result of flooding.

Travellers should contact their tour operator or airline prior to travel. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office should also be consulted for current travel advisories.

Travelling to an affected area independently and without adequate preparation may put a strain on the already challenged emergency and medical services in the area. 

Country-specific health advice for travellers can be found on the NaTHNaC Country Information Pages. General advice can also be found in the NaTHNaC Advice for relief workers and other travellers to areas affected by natural disaster

References

1. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Republic of the Philippines.  Effects of Tropical Storm ‘Sendong’ (Washi) 4 January, 2012. Situation Report 28. [Accessed 6 January 2012] Available at: http://www.ndrrmc.gov.ph/attachments/article/358/NDRRMC%

20Update%20SitRep%20No%2028%20re%20Effects%20of%

20TS%20SENDONG%204%20JAN%202012.pdf

2. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Philippines – Tropical Storm. Fact Sheet 1. 4 January 2012. [Accessed 6 January 2012] Available at: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/01.

04.12%20-%20USAID-DCHA%20Philippines%20Tropical%20Storm%20Fact%2

0Sheet%20%231.pdf

3. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Philippines: Tropical Storm Washi. Situation Report No. 8. 3 January 2012.[Accessed 6 January 2012] Available at: http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/Full_

Report_3237.pdf

4. Integrated Regional Information Networks (IRIN). Mindanao hospitals on alert for Leptospirosis. 5 January 2012. [Accessed 6 January 2012] Available at: http://www.irinnews.org/report.aspx?reportid=94590

5. Philippine Information Agency. RDRRMC warns NorMin folks of possible floods due to wind convergence and tail end of a cold front. 5 January 2012. [Accessed 6 January 2012] Available at: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=71212

 

Links

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Tropical Cyclones

NaTHNaC Advice for relief workers and other travellers to areas affected by natural disaster

NaTHNaC Health Information Sheet: Leptospirosis