Oxfam will provide lifesaving services such as water and sanitation to thousands of families and evacuation centres in the Philippines that were hit by Typhoon Bopha immediately after a rapid assessment is conducted on the ground.

Over 400 people were reported killed by Typhoon Bopha though the damages and destruction caused was not as severe compared to last year’s tropical storm Washi which affected similar areas.

Preliminary reports from Oxfam assessment teams show that Compostela Valley has been severely affected by Typhoon Bopha.

“The water system in several towns is down and water is currently being rationed by the provincial government. Electricity in the entire province has been cut off and will probably take a month to repair. Houses have been destroyed. Food supply in evacuation centers is not enough. Farms have also been devastated and the markets are closed," said Paul Del Rosario, Oxfam Humanitarian Coordinator.

The immediate needs identified are access to basic services, particularly on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and access to finance for re-establishment of livelihoods.

Oxfam’s rapid assessment teams, supported by its local partners, are currently in Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan City and Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Palawan.

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About Oxfam

Oxfam is dedicated to fighting poverty and inequity worldwide. The international and independent development and humanitarian organisation tackles poverty in four main ways: sustainable development in poor communities, disaster relief, local and global advocacy, and education with Hong Kong youth. Established in Hong Kong in 1976, Oxfam Hong Kong is a founding member of Oxfam, an international confederation that has assisted poor people in 94 countries. Oxfam Hong Kong alone has supported poor people in over 70 countries/regions.