Philippines: we remain alert to the effects of flooding in Metro Manila
In August, the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), intensified by Tropical Depression ISANG, brought torrential rains that caused rivers to overflow, flooded streets and affected thousands of families in Metro Manila, Philippines. Although the cyclone left the country between 23 and 24 August, Action Against Hunger remains ready to provide support to those most affected by the floods.
Impact on communities
More than 25,000 suffered the impact of the floods across the country. The hardest hit areas were Albay and Camarines Sur in the Bicol region, with nearly 14,000 people affected.
Around 400 people had to take refuge in evacuation centres. In Metro Manila, the water reached a height of almost one metre in busy areas such as the World Trade Centre–Buendia in Pasay, Taft–Kalaw–Roxas Boulevard in Manila and the Shaw Tunnel on EDSA in Mandaluyong, leaving streets impassable and affecting the mobility of thousands of workers, students and families.
Education disrupted and transport collapsed
The rains forced the suspension of classes in 16 cities and municipalities, ranging from preschool to university level. In the Cordillera, six provinces—including Abra, Apayao, and Benguet—also suspended classes as a preventive measure, leaving many students at home while waiting for conditions to improve.
Traffic in the capital was also paralysed, with several main roads impassable for light vehicles during the worst of the flooding. To alleviate the situation, free train and metro travel was offered from midday on 22 August, helping thousands of people who had been stranded by the road closures.
Action Against Hunger's response to climate disasters in the Philippines
The Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate emergencies, including the three consecutive cyclones - Crising, Dante and thypoon Emong- that hit the region in July. For this reason, as Benedetta Lettera, director of operations for Action Against Hunger in Latin America and the Philippines explains, ‘we are fully committed to always providing the best possible response in the region, to accompany and support the communities most affected by climate disasters’.
In the context of the floods in Metro Manila, Action Against Hunger implemented advance preparedness strategies to ensure an immediate response capacity if necessary.
‘We have taken preventive measures to be prepared and minimise potential damage, ensuring that the most vulnerable families could receive support if needed,’ explains Benedetta Lettera. "These measures include coordination with partners and planning for the potential distribution of hygiene kits, water and non-food items, as well as cash assistance in the Manila metropolitan area. It has not been necessary to intervene directly on this occasion, but we are ready to act quickly should the situation require it."
With your support, Action Against Hunger will continue to accompany the most vulnerable communities in the Philippines, providing rapid, dignified and sustainable assistance in the face of climate emergencies.
