The Philippines is situated in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a zone notorious for volcanic eruptions and seismic activity, as well as the Western Pacific tropical storm region, where frequent powerful tropical cyclones occur. According to the World Risk Report 2023, the Philippines faces the highest risk of disaster worldwide.
The increasing and ongoing threat of climate change has exacerbated weather patterns and led to more frequent and intense rainfall events, in turn leading to floods, landslides, and flash floods. These disasters cause infrastructure damage and displacement, which are a significant barrier in recovery efforts. As recovery efforts are ongoing and often inadequate, every new disaster worsens and compounds the already existing damage, posing significant challenges in rehabilitation.
Homes submerged in the aftermath of Typhoon Agaton in Mindanao, Philippines in 2022. Source: Yahoo News.
Mindanao is the Philippines’ southernmost region and known as the breadbasket of the country because of its rich natural resources. Starting in January of this year, intense rainfall has led to widespread flooding and landslides, affecting over 1.38 million people in the southern Philippines, with more than 350,000 displaced from their homes as of February 2024. Infrastructure, including roads and bridges, suffered considerable damage, exacerbating the challenges faced by affected communities.
Davao City Resident standing in floodwater during an evacuation effort earlier this year. Source: Rappler News.
At least 22 people were killed due to the aforementioned floods and landslides. In addition, 92 people have been reported dead, 32 injured and 63 missing due to the February 6th landslide in Masara. According to eyewitness accounts, the landslide engulfed at least two service buses and several households.
Rescuers carry a body from Masara in Maco, Davao de Oro, Mindanao following the deadly landslide. Source: Associated Press.
Lunas in action
In response to the ongoing disasters, Lunas mobilized in partnership with the Nonoy Librado Development Foundation and the Dagyaw Relief Network to provide aid to two flood-affected communities in Davao City, distributing relief packages to over 400 families, and assisting with the construction of a canal to reduce the impacts of future flooding.
Source: Lunas.
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As climate change continues to wreak havoc on communities in the Global South, the threat of disrupted infrastructure, outbreaks of preventable disease and unstable livelihoods pose a grave threat. Join our network as we fight for the right to health in times of crisis!