MSF Rapid Assessment (1st draft): Typhoon Vinta in Mindanao Region

December 25, 2017

Situation Overview:

  • Typhoon Vinta (Tembin) hit southern Philippines on December 22, making 2 landfalls (in Davao and Palawan) before leaving the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on December 24. Despite early warning and push for preparation and evacuation, the typhoon still caused a lot of damages and casualties. More than 200 perished from the massive flooding and mudslides, with many more still missing. Most of the casualties were from Lanao del Norte (LDN). Other areas that suffered heavy flooding include Cagayan de Oro, Davao City, and Lanao del Sur.
  • There are 115,568 families affected (541,005 persons) from 998 barangays across 8 regions.[1] There are 20,879 families (97,583 persons) staying in 261 evacuation centers (ECs) in 5 regions; 16,544 families (84,794 persons) are home-based in 4 regions. ECs are now down to 37% of original number; it is expected to decrease further over the next few days, as residents start returning to their respective homes.
  • Twelve LDN municipalities have been affected (78 barangays; 7,968 families; 34,521 persons; 31 casualties; 10 still missing).[2] In Lanao del Sur (LDS), 17 municipalities surrounding Lake Lanao have been severely affected (population of 435,848; 249 barangays; 11,883 families; 59,342 persons; 153 totally damaged houses; 20 casualties; 6 still missing)[3].
  • Vinta came a few days after the deadly Tropical Storm Urduja (Kai-tak) that pummelled Eastern Visayas region. It also hit provinces (Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte), communities, and individuals still recovering from the aftermath of Marawi crisis, including those who remain displaced. Many of LDS local government responders have also been affected themselves.

Current Situation and Identified Needs in Areas Visited:

  • All IDPs in LDN and LDS areas visited are in need of clean water, vessel to keep safe drinking water, and food. Many water sources in affected areas got contaminated. Electricity has not fully returned in severely affected areas, which further limits water access for those depending on electric water pump. Those who have been displaced by the flash flood and mudslide also need shelter, toilets, bathing facilities, and clothes.
  • Health facilities have limited to no supply of medicines for leptospirosis prophylaxis, which should be given within 24-72 hours of flood water exposure. As of this writing, not all affected population have been reached yet. Most of the rural health units also got flooded, which damaged their medicines.
  • Some Marawi IDPs in Bubong Municipality complained of fever, chills, body pains, abdominal pain, and yellowing at least a day after exposure to the floods. These signs and symptoms are non-specific but can highly suggest leptospirosis infection in this setting.

Initial MSF Response:

  • As initial support for areas with massive flooding, MSF team provided some medicines to prevent leptospirosis infection for both adults and children (doxycycline, azithromycin). Due to limited supply of validated medicines in Iligan, medicines provided were also limited. These were handed over to the respective Rural Health Units that are beating the recommended period for an effective prophylactic treatment (within 24-72 hours of exposure to flood).
  • Other support provided: household water filter (selected sites), slippers for children, cleaning materials (broomstick, dust pan for selected sites)
  • Marawi IDPs with physical complaints referred to covering Rural Health Unit municipal health officer / doctor.

MSF Plans:

  • Provide 5 items (water kits, hygiene kits, mats, blankets, and family partition clothes) to around 726 families in 3 municipalities (Tubod, Salvador, and Bubong).
  • For the rest of 3 municipalities (Ditsaan-Ramain, Buadiposo Buntong, and Taraka), the other actors are expected to respond.

[1] DSWD Dromic Report No. 9A, as of December 25, 5AM;

[2] Affected LDN municipalities: Maigo, Salvador, Kauswagan, Tubod, Lala, Kapatagan, Bacolod, Munai, Kolambugan, Tangcal, Sapad, Tagoloan

[3] Affected LDS municipalities: Bubong, Ditsaan-Ramain, Buadiposo Buntong, Mulondo, Maguing, Taraka, Tamparan, Lumba Bayabao, Poona Bayabao, Masiu, S. Dumalondong, Piagapo, Marantao, Balindong, Tugaya, Bacolod Kalawi, and Madallum.