PACIFIC DISASTER MANAGEMENT INFORMATION NETWORK (PDMIN)
1 Jarrett White Road MCPA-DM, Tripler AMC, HI 96859-5000
Telephone: 808.433.7035 · PDMIN@coe-dmha.org · http://www.coe-dmha.org

 

Philippines: Leyte Landslide Update

 

February 19, 2006

 

 

New information has been highlighted in red

 

Situation Overview

 

A landslide struck the village of Guinsaugon (estimated population at least 1,400) on Friday (February 17), near the town of St. Bernard in South Leyte province, in the eastern Visayas region. The landslide struck approximately 10:00 am local time (02:00 GMT). A second landslide occurred later that day at about 10:00pm (22:00 GMT), resulting in the evacuation of 11 households as a preventative measure. As of latest reports from the Philippines National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) there are a total of some 1408 missing, 56 dead (35 were identified), 88 injured and 410 survivors. Some 320 families were affected. (Feb-19, NDCC) No survivors have been found since Friday (February 17) Philippine officials have said that those buried are not likely to survive. Officials say the focus is now on recovering bodies and aiding survivors. A total of seven evacuation centers have been established in the area. (Feb-18, NDCC) A total of 375 survivors are staying at St. Bernard Elementary school. (Feb-18, NDCC) As of Sunday (February 19), 10 barangays (village districts) are affected, including Guinsaugon, as the worst affected with 281 houses and 1 school building buried. A total of 253 students and staff (246 pupils and 7 staff) are trapped inside the buried school building. It is unknown whether there are any survivors. (Feb-19, NDCC)

 

The Philippine Geosciences Bureau estimates the landslide is 4 meters deep and covers an area of approximately 3 square kilometers (2 miles) . The NDCC reports that the landslide was up to 30 feet (9 meters) in some places. The landslide was induced by heavy rainfall, as Southern Leyte had received rainfall about four times more than normal this month. The landslides have blocked the tributaries of a major river, which could cause flooding in nearby areas. (Feb-18, OCHA)

 

Rescue teams from the Philippine Air Force and the Army have been undertaking search and rescue (SAR) efforts since Friday (February 17). The Philippine government has not formally requested any international assistance, but welcomes international assistance. (Feb-18, OCHA)

 

The Government of the Philippines (GOP) is prioritizing ongoing search and retrieval operations and emergency relief for the victims as well as those evacuated from neighboring villages who are currently residing in 7 evacuation centers. The results of the Office of Civil Defense-led assessment that was deployed to the site yesterday (Saturday, February 18) are being consolidated. These results, and those of other assessments currently underway, will form the basis of prioritization and resource mobilization for the relief operations. (Feb-19, OCHA)

 

Currently, the affected site is only accessible via air. However, according to the NDCC, a no-fly zone was established over the site because of fears that helicopter “downwash” could trigger fresh landslides. (Feb-19, NDCC) Rescue efforts are hampered by continuous rains and the threat of additional landslides. Unstable ground has impeded the movement of heavy machinery, and rescuers have to dig manually. In addition, the absence of lights has led to the suspension of rescue at night. (Feb-17, NDCC)

 

According to the NDCC, as of Sunday (February 19) weather in St. Bernard is cloudy. Some reports of rain. (Feb-19, NDCC) The remote coastal area of Southern Leyte is located about 2.5 hours southeast of the capital of Manila and is heavily forested with coconut trees that have shallow roots, which can be easily dislodged after heavy rains. (Feb-17, AFP) Flood warnings have been issued for the neighboring Caraga Region in northeastern Mindanao as well.

 

Earlier this week, Philippine officials warned of continuing heavy rains until May due to an abnormally wet northeast monsoon in the country’s eastern seaboard, possibly from a nascent “La Nina” weather phenomenon. Although a greater number of storms is not expected during the northeast monsoon, which runs from December to May, heavy rains are expected to occur closer to land in areas unused to high precipitation, causing more damage. Heavy rains along the eastern Visayas and eastern Mindanao region to the south claimed at least 20 lives in the past week. More than 700 people were killed in the eastern coasts of northern Luzon region in late 2004, following unusually heavy rains and a string of storms. In parallel with the relief efforts, the Government plans to intensify disaster preparedness in the surrounding areas and other regions vulnerable to landslide and flood during heavy rains. (Feb-19, OCHA)

 

Security: According to media reports, communist guerillas in the central Philippines said Sunday (February 19) that they would not attack US troops involved in landslide humanitarian work on Leyte, as long as they stayed within the disaster area. However, the rebels warned that US troops would be “hit” if they strayed. “Any American provocateur caught straying into rebel zones will be hit,” Ka Roger, spokesperson for the Communist Part y of the Philippines and its military wing the New People’s Army (NPA) said in a statement. He said the NPA operates in a number of “controlled” areas on Leyte. The 8,000 strong NPA has been waging a 37-year-old insurgency. (Feb-19, AFP, INQ7.net)

 

Main Statistics
Estimated death toll	1408 missing as of Sunday (Feb-19)
Bodies recovered	56 (35 identified)
Survivors	410
Population of affected area(s):	Between 1,500 to 2,000 people in St. Bernard municipality, Southern Leyte province Up to 1,860+ in worst affected Guinsaugon village

 

Aid Requests

 

The Government of the Philippines (GOP) has not issued a formal appeal for international assistance, but is welcoming any assistance given. (Feb-18, OCHA)

 

The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council in Southern Leyte has indicated following needs for immediate relief:

 

·       Food Items: 500 sacks of rice, 500 cases of canned food, 250 boxes of noodles, 12,000 liters of bottled drinking water, 15 bottles of coffee (30 grams), 15 boxes of Milo (200 grams) and compact foods.

·       Non Food Items: 3,000 hygiene kits (towels, toothbrushes, and toothpaste), 500 bars of family size bath soap, and 500 bars of laundry soap.

·       Kitchen Utensils: plastic plates, forks, spoons, glasses.

·       Bedding: mosquito nets, blankets mats and beds.

·       Medical Supplies: body bags, masks, disinfectant, essential medicine and chlorine.

·       Shelter: tarpaulins.

·       Search and Rescue assets: generators, ambulances, bulldozers, and fork lifts.

·       Human Resources: social workers, medical doctors and rescue personnel. (Feb-19, OCHA)

 

Assistance

 

International:

 

United Nations

 

A 6-member UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) Team is being deployed to support the Government, the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team for assessment and coordination, including civil military coordination. Five of the 6-member team have arrived in country, three of whom are currently enroute to St. Bernard to assist in on-site coordination at the request of the Government. Other members have been deployed to assist the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and the UN Resident Coordinator. (Feb-19, OCHA) The UN is also supplying two telecommunications experts to set up on-site capacity and securing a recovery expert to be part of the humanitarian team. (Feb-19) Telecoms Sans Frontieres (TSF) has deployed a two-person team to help support the UNDAC Team. (Feb-19, OCHA)

 

UNICEF is providing health kits and essential medicines for 10,000 people.

 

UN OCHA is in the process of deploying a UNDAC team to the Philippines. UN OCHA will release a US$50,000 emergency grant; UNDP has mobilized another US$100,000 for immediate response. (Feb-18, OCHA)

 

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan expressed sorrow and condolences to the families of the victims and pledged assistance. (Feb-18, UNSG)

 

Foreign Governments

 

Australia has pledged US$740,000 (A$1 million) for immediate relief and medical assistance to be made available to the Philippines Red Cross Society and other relief agencies. (Feb-18, OCHA)

 

China offered a donation of US$1 million in cash and material assistance. (Feb-19, INQ7express)

 

Japanese government has agreed to donate emergency supplies, equipment (Feb-18, OCHA) and the services of Japan’s Disaster Response Team (Feb-19).

 

Malaysia: Two C-130 aircraft with 60 members of the Malaysian Search and Rescue and Medical Team (SMART) with heavy equipment have arrived in Tacloban airport enroute to the site (Feb-19, OCHA)

 

Singapore has provided search and rescue helicopters (Feb-18, OCHA)

 

Taiwan has pledged US$100,000 for relief efforts. Medical emergency kits for the use of 3,000 people for one and a half months are also being sent. (INQ7, Feb-18) A Taiwanese rescue team equipped with heat and movement sensing equipment is at the site to assist in search and retrieval operations (Feb-19, OCHA) An additional 33-man rescue team to board C-130 today (Feb-19)

 

Thailand said it would donate US$100,000 in aid. (Feb-19, INQ7express)

 

United States: The US has received a request for helicopter support from the Philippine Red Cross, and two ships, the USS Essex and the USS Harper's Ferry, have been sent in response to a government request. The ships are carrying 17 helicopters and 1,000 Marines. (Feb-19, OCHA) A team on board CH-46 helicopters from the USS ESSEX will proceed to St. Bernard to assist in the conduct of damage and needs assessment to include search and retrieval operations. (Feb-19, NDCC) The two ships can transport thousands of gallons of water purification equipment, generators and blankets. Jones also said the US has turned over US$100,000 worth of disaster equipment to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC). Some thousands of blankets, water jugs and plastic sheeting expected to be handed over on Sunday. (Feb-18, AP) The Pentagon said that troops that were participating in the annual “Balikatan” military exercises in the country were also available to help, as well as troops from military bases around the Pacific region. There are 6,000 US troops participating in the Balikatan exercise.

 

A C-130 Hercules of the US Air Force with an assessment team left Clark air base for Tacloban (Feb-19, INQ7express)

 

Captain Burrell Parmer, Balikatan public information officer says that the US military joint task force overseeing the Balikatan 2006 exercises is sending a survey team today (Saturday, February 18). The unspecified number team consists of engineers and medical personnel. (INQ7, Feb-18)

The U.S. has authorized the Philippine Red Cross to use approximately $50,000 of emergency relief funds already granted to the Red Cross from an earlier disaster. In addition, the Philippine National Red Cross plans to distribute on the morning of February 18 protective masks for rescue workers, plastic sheeting, and body bags donated by the U.S. Government in response to previous disasters.

 

The U.S. Embassy is also coordinating with USAID's Asia Regional Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance to seek additional funds for relief assistance as quickly as possible. USAID has donated US$56,000 (2.9 million Philippines pesos) to (PNRC). (Feb-19)

 

IOs, NGOs

 

Caritas is on the ground to help in the relief effort (Feb-17, Caritas)

 

International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC): IFRC has appealed for US$1.52 million dollars to fund aid operations; US$150,000 additional assistance released immediately. Relief plane w/ 1,000 body bags, emergency kits for 1,000 people, rubber boots, ropes, clothing, flashlights and medicine sent

 

United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) anticipates working with partners in the area, including the Manila, Davao, and Baguio Episcopal areas of the United Methodist Church in the Philippines. (Feb-17, UMCOR)

 

Spanish NGO - Unidad Canina de Rescate y Salvamento – to provide 6-man team with 5 K-9s to assist in search and rescue operations (Feb-19)

 

Philam Fellowship of the Assembly of God – to provide canned goods, blankets, clothes and medicines (Feb-19)

 

From the Vatican, Pope Benedict XVI urged nations to be “swift and generous” with their help (Feb-19, INQ7express)

 

Domestic

 

Philippine government

 

The government has deployed 796 personnel to support rescue and relief operations. Rescue teams from the Philippine’s Air Force and Army have been undertaking search and recovery operations since February 17. (Feb-19, OCHA)

 

Government has deployed 2 search and rescue vessels, 2 navy vessels which also serve as hospital platforms, 2 C-130 airplanes, 5 helicopters and 2 generators. (Feb-19, OCHA)

 

Three helicopters from the 505^th Squadron of Philippine Airforce doing search and rescue (SAR) since Friday (February 17). (Feb-17, NDCC) Two C-130 planes also sent.

43rd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army are present in the area conducting rescue/retrieval and relief. Battalion Commander, COL Raul Farnacio, serves as the Incident Commander to ensure coordinated response operations. (Feb-17, NDCC)

 

The National Resource Center (NROC) has been set up by the Department of social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Pasay city. The NROC has been functioning as DSWD Operations Center to facilitate processing of donations and coordinating all efforts of member agencies of the National Committee on Disaster Response and other private efforts. (Feb-18, OCHA)

 

DSWD has already distributed 600 family food packs with additional 1,500 family food packs and 2,500 clothing packs on standby. Department of Health (DOH) has provided 116 body bags and other burial supplies, in addition to 10-person trauma team. (Feb-18, OCHA)

 

DSWD has provided earth-moving equipment, such as payloads, backhoes and bulldozers, which have made Saint Bernard town accessible. (Feb-18, OCHA)

 

Additional professional rescue teams from the Province of Leyte and Cebu City are also on the way to the site and assist in the rescue/retrieval operations. A team of disaster experts has been dispatched to the affected area to conduct damage and needs assessment and to assist the local teams. (Feb-17, NDCC)

 

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has instructed the Department of Budget and Management to allocate funds to support the ongoing response efforts and for eventual relief and rehabilitation. (Feb-17, NDCC)

 

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Philippine Institute of Vulcanology have fielded geo-science personnel to assess hazards in the area in efforts to enhance preparedness and early warning for other areas vulnerable to landslides. (Feb-19, OCHA)

 

Local NGOs

 

Philippine National Red Cross Society (PNRC) has deployed 70 personnel, including an assessment team, health teams, two dog teams and personnel to provide psycho-social and communications assistance. They have also provided two generators sets and a water dally which were transported to the site today along with assorted vehicles, including ambulances, 16 sacks of rice and Php 70,000.00 worth of canned goods. (Feb-19, OCHA)

 

PNRC has provided 100 family tents, 300 blankets, 5 cartons of water purification tablets and 700 body bags. Additional 26,000 lbs of medical supplies sent as well. IFRC has provided emergency grant of CHF 200,000 to the PRNC for emergency relief.

 

The International Federation of the Red Cross provided an emergency grant of CHF 200,000 to the Philippines National Red Cross Society for emergency relief supplies. The International Federation of the Red Cross has also launched an emergency appeal for CHF 2 million. (Feb-19, OCHA)

 

Local aid group Maayo, doing search and retrieval at site of buried schoolhouse. (Feb-19, BBC)

 

Private organizations are extending their support by sending donations such as food items, water and medicines (NDCC)