UN allocates $10-M fund for ‘Pablo’ victims

MANILA, Philippines - A $10-million (P408.6-million) allocation from the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) will be given as lifesaving assistance to thousands of families affected by typhoon “Pablo.”

It will target seven key sectors that the government has identified as immediate priorities, including emergency shelter, debris clearing, water and sanitation, nutrition, protection and health.

David Carden, head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Philippines, said: “The CERF’s timely and significant support will play a critical role to take early action and response to reduce the loss of life.”

The international community is seeking $65 million to respond to the immediate humanitarian needs in Davao and Caraga regions.

To date, donors have given or pledged $38 million to support the humanitarian efforts in eastern Mindanao.

United Nations agencies, the International Organization for Migration and their humanitarian partners will step up relief efforts and life-saving activities in Davao and Caraga regions most affected by the disaster.

Pablo crossed Mindanao on Dec. 4 and 5. It affected six million people, partially or totally destroyed more than 200,000 houses and displaced over 970,000 people. More than a thousand people have died and hundreds remain missing.

Luiza Carvalho, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, said when she visited the affected areas a few days after the disaster she was shocked at the scale of the destruction.

“Cities and villages have been completely devastated, with only a few roofless buildings and walls still standing, and entire plantations have been wiped out,” she said.

Pablo’s impact has been devastating for the poor and marginalized people of eastern Mindanao, an area suffering from food insecurity and limited infrastructure and public services.    

In the coming months, survivors, many displaced from their homes, will face critical challenges to cover their families’ basic protection, health, nutrition, and water and sanitation needs.

Recurring rains add to their misery, as many families seek shelter under assembled debris and tarpaulins.