M15 ERU Spanish RC – 16 Nov. 13

Rapid assessment from Cebú to Bogo by main highway.

Logistics:

From Cebú to Danao traffic is really heavy, however trucks would be able to pass but it will take many hours to get the north.

All along the road, there is no signal of fuel-related constraints; prices around 46 diesel to 55-57 gasoline.

There are a couple of brand new bus lines covering the routes from north to Cebú full operational, no sign of evacuation.

There is no sign at all of shortage of construction material availability (CGI, bamboo, calamine, pipes, etc…) all along the road.

From Tabogon to northern, the route crosses some mountains slowing down the circulation of trucks.

In Bogo, getting closer to the departure of the ferry to Sta. Fe, dozens of trucks with relief supplies completely block the main road creating a bit of chaos. (Check in Google earth if there is another way to get the north)

It is needed to book room at the ferry in advance to get Bantayan Island with vehicles, is not the same case to go alone by walking. Last ferry departs at 16:30.

Aprox. time to do Cebú - Bogo: less than 4 hours (Saturday 12:00 – 15:40) (distance around 150 kms, to check). Aprox. time taken to get back to Cebú: 5 hours (Sat, 16:20 – 21:00). Many traffic constraints mostly between Danao and Cebú.

Security: Circulation by east coastal road is forbidden by night due to high risk of accident. This is for personnel and trucks. Trucks are not allowed to drive during the night, even through the main highway.

Damage assessment:

No affectation starts to be seen until end of Tabogon. Bogo municipality is the most affected together with Medellin and Daanbantayan. We could not reach Medellin and Daanbantayan, but PRC will get the consolidated data from its chapter there. Some pictures of first assessment right after the Typhoon, done by PRC, can be shared if needed. Available through the ERU M15 TL.

Along the road between Tabogon and Bogo, families ask for help to vehicles and few small, spontaneous and direct distributions take place in the middle of the road.

Most of stores (any kind of) are open and fully operational. There is no indicator of shortage of water supply; stores selling tanks of water have normal activity; there are no queues around pumps and there are certain areas with domestic counters not damaged. Pipe system is working with generator so far. Authorities specifically say there is no need for water supply in the area.


People have already started to repair their roofs and damaged houses. Clearing of debris and trees has to be done; however the main road is completely clear.

Authorities:

Arriving at Bogo the Philippines Red Cross personnel met the local authorities at the coordination centre; Only 4 bagangays are in need of hygiene kits. No need for watsan related response, no need for jerrycans. Pending visit to those barangans.

Coordinating with Movement partners

We finally could not take the ferry to get Bantayan Island. It seems that Finnish RC has had (or still has) a delegate over there. Swiss RC delegate (Thomas Bueleer – 09163425312) just came from the Island and shared his information and assessments results: Swiss RC focus is in shelter recovery phase (distribution of CGI, tools starting probably on Monday) through local procurement. There are three generators working in the Island to run the water supply system. Santa Fe is the only one having some issues. In this regard, a German organisation was already waiting the ferry with the trucks loaded with 2 water treatment plants, lab and rest of equipment to provide support tomorrow in case of this need.

Shelter is an urgent need in Bantayan Island for around the 80% of the households (5.416). Complementary NFI might be provided by Germans and Spanish RC.

Official data provided by 2 out of 3 baraganys in Bantayan Island.

Municipality of Santa Fe;

Municipality of Bantayan


The Israeli hospital has been set up in an existing infrastructure in the municipality of Bogo. This is the only point along the road where one can see people gathering in a short of queue.

Recommendations:

Identification of Relief NFI missing to certain barangays. Shelter lens for mid to long term projects (repairs, reconstruction, support for clearing debris and trees, …) Attention to more than 25.000 IDPs living conditions, mostly sanitation. Coordination with the Philippines Red Cross chapters and the Relief Operation centre is essential. No need for water or already committed the assistance. The ERU M15 has no need to go further with water focus in this area.