Oxfam Canada

Published purpose

On December 17, 2011, Tropical Storm Washi (locally known as Sendong) made landfall on Mindanao in the Philippines. It brought torrential rains to this mountainous area, not accustomed to such storms. The rains triggered flash floods leading to significant destruction of houses, infrastructure and agriculture. As of January 3, 2012, a total of 724,729 people had been affected by flash floods in Mindanao and the official death toll stands at 1,257, with 4,658 injuries and 98 people missing. Fifty-four evacuation centres have been established, serving 431,304 displaced people. With CIDA's support, Oxfam Canada aims to increase access to clean water and sanitation facilities, and improve hygiene practices for some 8,000 displaced families. To achieve these results, Oxfam Canada expects to provide drinking water, build 60 latrine blocks and 30 shower blocks, and conduct hygiene awareness activities in evacuation centres.