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Typhoon in the Philippines (Update)

13 Nov 2013

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a News Release on the disaster situation in the Philippines.

Field hospitals, medical personnel, medicines and other medical supplies are arriving in the Philippines as countries and nongovernmental organizations around the world come to the support of the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. In support of the Government of the Philippines, WHO is coordinating all health-related aspects of the emergency response to ensure the supplies are moved quickly to where health facilities and supplies are most damaged, such as Tacloban, Cebu and the west coast of Leyte.

The health needs in this disaster are significant. In addition to responding to injuries and trauma, regular health needs will also need to be met in very challenging circumstances. WHO has already deployed medicines and supplies to perform 400 surgeries and cover the basic health needs of 120 000 people for one month. Special diarrhoeal disease kits with medicines and supplies to treat 3000 cases of acute diarrhoea are also en route, since contaminated water is a frequent cause of diarrhoea.

With another tropical storm expected to hit the Philippines later this week, the need for safe water and sanitation facilities is critical. WHO is working with other humanitarian organizations to secure urgently needed water purification tablets.

Advice for Travellers

Travellers in the Philippines should follow local emergency advice. Those planning travel to the affected areas should consult with their tour operator and check the FCO website regularly for the latest travel advice.