BUREAU FOR DEMOCRACY, CONFLICT, AND HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE (DCHA)
OFFICE OF U.S. FOREIGN DISASTER ASSISTANCE (OFDA)
East Asia and Pacific – Tsunami and Storms
Fact Sheet #1, Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 October 5, 2009
BACKGROUND AND KEY DEVELOPMENTS
•
On September 26, Tropical Storm Ketsana made landfall in the northern Philippines with maximum sustained wind
speeds of approximately 53 miles per hour (mph), bringing sustained heavy rains throughout Luzon Island.
1
The
storm moved eastward, re-intensifying over open water and made landfall in central Vietnam on September 29 with
maximum sustained wind speeds of approximately 93 mph, with heavy rains resulting in flooding. Storm remnants
continued westward towards Laos, leading to additional severe flooding.
•
On September 29, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake generated a local tsunami that affected the Samoan islands.
2
•
On October 3, Typhoon Parma made landfall in the Cagayan Province of Luzon Island in the northern Philippines,
with maximum sustained winds of approximately 92 mph, according to the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center
(JTWC). As of October 5, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GoRP) National Disaster
Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported that Typhoon Parma affected more than 238,000 people, caused 16
confirmed deaths, and displaced nearly 71,000 individuals to evacuation centers.
•
In addition, NDCC reported that Tropical Storm Ketsana affected more than 3.9 million people, leaving 295 dead,
while more than 335,000 people remained displaced in shelters.
•
USAID/OFDA has allocated a total of $1.8 million for emergency grants to humanitarian organizations in the
Philippines to be awarded based on current assessments. The total includes $1 million announced on Oct 2, and
$800,000 announced on Oct. 5, 2009.
•
In accordance with a request from the Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., in Samoa, on October 5 USAID/OFDA allocated an
additional $250,000 to support tsunami relief and recovery efforts. This assistance is being programmed based on
recommendations of USAID/OFDA regional advisors in consultation with the U.S. Embassy in Apia.
NUMBERS AT A GLANCE
Country Estimated
Affected
Population
Source
Laos
16 dead, 37,500 displaced, 155,500
affected
IFRC
3
– October 3, 2009
Philippines
311 dead, 406,504 displaced, 4,167,279
affected
NDCC – October 5, 2009
Samoa (Tsunami)
135 dead, 35,000 displaced
OCHA
4
– October 4, 2009
Vietnam
170 dead, 600,000 evacuated
IFRC – October 5, 2009
FY 2009 AND FY 2010 HUMANITARIAN FUNDING TO DATE
USAID/OFDA Humanitarian Assistance to Laos for Typhoon ..............................................................................$50,000
USAID/OFDA Humanitarian Assistance to Philippines for Storms.................................................................$1,054,496
5
DoD
6
Humanitarian Assistance to Philippines for Storms ......................................................................To be determined
USAID/OFDA Humanitarian Assistance to Samoa for Tsunami ........................................................................$100,000
7
USAID/OFDA Humanitarian Assistance to Vietnam for Typhoon ......................................................................$600,000
Total USG Humanitarian Assistance to East Asia and the Pacific for Tsunami and Storms..........................$1,804,496
1
For more detailed information on the USG response to storms in the Philippines, please refer to the Philippines – Tropical Storm fact sheets at
http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/
2
For information on the USG response to the September 29 tsunami in American Samoa, please refer to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website at
www.fema.gov
.
For information on the U.S. Government (USG) response to the September 30 earthquake in Indonesia, please see the Indonesia – Earthquake fact sheets
at
http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/
3
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
4
U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)
5
This amount includes $650,000 of USAID/OFDA’s allocation of $1.8 million. The remaining $1.15 million will be awarded to humanitarian
organizations based on current assessments.
6
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
7
This amount does not include the additional $250,000 allocated to support tsunami relief and recovery efforts in Samoa on October 5.
East Asia and Pacific Tsunami and Storms – October 5, 2009
CURRENT SITUATION
•
As of October 5 at 1700 hours Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), Tropical Storm Parma was located approximately 345
miles north of Manila and expected is remain in the Luzon Strait over the next 48 hours, before slowly tracking
southwest, according to JTWC.
Laos
•
Beginning September 29, remnants from Typhoon Ketsana caused heavy rainfall in southern Laos, leading to severe
flooding in Attapu, Saravan, and Xekong provinces. The Lao Red Cross Society (LRCS) identified six southern
provinces affected by Ketsana, reporting that the storm killed 16 people, displaced approximately 37,500 others,
and affected approximately 155,000 individuals. The LRCS also reported that 143 people remained missing and
120 were injured.
Philippines
•
On September 26, Tropical Storm Ketsana made landfall in the northern Philippines with maximum sustained wind
speeds of approximately 53 mph, bringing sustained heavy rains throughout Luzon Island. In two days, the island
received the equivalent of a typical monsoon month’s rainfall, submerging 80 percent of the capital city Manila and
causing the most extensive flooding Manila has experienced in more than 40 years.
•
According to NDCC, Tropical Storm Ketsana affected more than 3.9 million people, leaving 295 dead and 39
missing as of October 5. More than 335,000 people remained displaced in shelters, and floods damaged or
destroyed more than 39,000 houses.
Samoa
•
On September 29, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake occurred off the coast of Samoa, 120 miles south of the capital of
Apia, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The earthquake generated a tsunami surge that resulted in waves
reportedly reaching as high as 20 feet, according to OCHA.
•
The waves particularly affected the south and southeastern coast of Upolu Island, while also affecting villages on
Savai’i, Manono, and Apolima islands. The earthquake and associated tsunami killed 135 people and displaced
approximately 35,000 individuals, according to OCHA. On September 29, the Government of Samoa (GoS) issued
a declaration of disaster.
•
Samoan Red Cross Society (SRCS) assessments indicate that 40 villages have been affected along the southeastern
coast, with 20 villages completely destroyed by the tsunami waves. Despite the damage sustained, SRCS noted that
the affected areas are accessible by road. OCHA reported that humanitarian needs included food assistance,
emergency shelter assistance, and water, sanitation, and hygiene interventions.
Vietnam
•
On September 29, Typhoon Ketsana made landfall in Vietnam with maximum sustained wind speeds of
approximately 93 mph, bringing sustained heavy rains in 14 provinces throughout central Vietnam. Prior to
landfall, the Government of Vietnam (GoV) evacuated an estimated 600,000 people. The typhoon and associated
flooding killed 170 people and injured 625 others. As of October 5, GoV reports indicated that more than 21,000
houses had been destroyed.
•
On October 5, IFRC noted that floodwaters are receding in almost all affected areas, except for lagoons and low-
lying locations, some of which remain accessible only by boat.
•
On October 2, IFRC launched an appeal for $4.75 million to support the Vietnam Red Cross Society (VRCS) to
assist 50,000 families, or approximately 210,000 people, for 12 months.
USG HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
Laos
•
On October 1, U.S. Ambassador Ravic R. Huso issued a disaster declaration due to the effects of floods caused by
Typhoon Ketsana. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through the U.S. Embassy in Vientiane to LRCS to
help meet immediate emergency needs of flood-affected populations.
Philippines
•
On September 28, U.S. Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney issued a disaster declaration due to the effects of Tropical
Storm Ketsana. In response, USAID/OFDA provided an immediate $100,000 through USAID/Philippines to the
Philippines National Red Cross (PNRC) for the local purchase and delivery of emergency relief supplies. Funding
also will support cleanup efforts focused in the Manila metropolitan area. USAID/OFDA has also allocated an
additional $1.8 million for emergency grants to humanitarian organizations, to be awarded based on current
assessments.
East Asia and Pacific Tsunami and Storms – October 5, 2009
•
On October 2, in coordination with U.S. Embassy and GoRP authorities, a USAID/OFDA charter flight delivered
relief items including 340 rolls of plastic sheeting for temporary shelter, 3,360 hygiene kits, and 3,334 10-liter
collapsible water containers. PNRC received the commodities, and plans to deliver the assistance to 20,000 flood-
affected individuals.
•
DoD Pacific Command provided equipment, transport, and logistics support, including 10 helicopters and six Zodiac
boats for search and rescue efforts, to aid storm-affected individuals. Engineers and medical personnel are also on
site. DoD is conducting daily missions in the Manila metropolitan area, including road clearance and transport of
goods and food.
•
A USAID/OFDA regional advisor and field officer remain in the Philippines to assess flood impacts and facilitate
USG assistance, in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Manila and USAID/Philippines.
Samoa
•
On October 1, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i., Arnold H. Campbell issued a disaster declaration due to the effects of the
September 29 Pacific tsunami. In accordance with the Chargé’s request, USAID/OFDA provided $100,000 through
the U.S. Embassy in Apia to SRCS for the purchase and distribution of relief commodities.
Vietnam
•
On October 1, U.S. Ambassador Michael W. Michalak issued a disaster declaration due to the effects of Typhoon
Ketsana. In response, USAID/OFDA provided $100,000 through USAID/Vietnam to IFRC in support of relief
operations of VRCS.
•
USAID/OFDA has allocated an additional $500,000 to support VRCS relief operations based on the IFRC emergency
appeal. A USAID/OFDA regional advisor in Hanoi is liaising with USAID/Vietnam, U.S. Embassy staff, and
humanitarian partners to determine additional humanitarian needs.
USAID HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO LAOS FOR TYPHOON KETSANA IN FY 2010
Implementing Partner
Activity
Location
Amount
USAID/OFDA ASSISTANCE
1
LRCS
Emergency Response Activities
Affected Areas
$50,000
TOTAL USAID/OFDA
$50,000
1
USAID/OFDA funding represents anticipated or actual obligated amounts as of October 5, 2009.
USG HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO PHILIPPINES FOR STORMS IN FY 2009 AND FY 2010
FY 2010
Implementing Partner
Activity
Location
Amount
USAID/OFDA ASSISTANCE
1
International
Organization for
Migration (IOM)
Response to IOM Emergency Appeal Affected
Areas $150,000
U.N. World Food
Program (WFP)
Response to WFP Special Operations Appeal
Affected Areas
$500,000
TOTAL USAID/OFDA
$650,000
DoD
DoD
Emergency Relief Supplies, Logistics and
Transportation
Affected Areas
To be
determined
TOTAL DOD
To be
determined
TOTAL USG HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE IN FY 2010
$650,000
FY 2009
Implementing Partner
Activity
Location
Amount
USAID/OFDA ASSISTANCE
1
PNRC
Emergency Relief Supplies
Affected Areas $100,000
East Asia and Pacific Tsunami and Storms – October 5, 2009
USAID
Emergency Relief Supplies, Logistics, and
Transportation
Affected Areas $293,709
Administrative Costs
Affected Areas
$10,787
TOTAL USAID/OFDA
$404,496
DoD
DoD
Emergency Relief Supplies, Logistics, and
Transportation
Affected Areas
To be
determined
TOTAL DOD
To be
determined
TOTAL USG HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE IN FY 2009
$404,496
FY 2009 AND FY 2010
TOTAL USAID/OFDA ASSISTANCE IN FY 2009 AND FY 2010
$1,054,496
TOTAL DOD ASSISTANCE IN FY 2009 AND FY 2010
To be
determined
TOTAL USG IN FY 2009 AND FY 2010
$1,054,496
1
USAID/OFDA funding represents anticipated or actual obligated amounts as of October 5, 2009.
USAID HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO SAMOA FOR TSUNAMI IN FY 2010
Implementing Partner
Activity
Location
Amount
USAID/OFDA ASSISTANCE
1
SRCS
Emergency Relief Supplies Affected
Areas $100,000
TOTAL USAID/OFDA HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO SAMOA FOR TSUNAMI IN
FY 2010
$100,000
1
USAID/OFDA funding represents anticipated or actual obligated amounts as of October 5, 2009.
USAID HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO VIETNAM FOR TYPHOON KETSANA IN FY 2010
Implementing Partner
Activity
Location
Amount
USAID/OFDA ASSISTANCE
1
IFRC
2
Emergency Response Activities
Affected Areas
$600,000
TOTAL USAID/OFDA HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO VIETNAM FOR TYPHOON
KETSANA IN FY 2010
$600,000
1
USAID/OFDA funding represents anticipated or actual obligated amounts as of October 5, 2009.
2
Includes funding that may be directed to the IFRC appeal through the American Red Cross.
TOTAL USG HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO EAST ASIA AND THE PACIFIC FOR
TSUNAMI AND STORMS IN FY 2009 AND FY 2010
$1,804,496
PUBLIC DONATION INFORMATION
•
The most effective way people can assist relief efforts is by making cash contributions to humanitarian organizations
that are conducting relief operations. A list of humanitarian organizations that are accepting cash donations for storms
and tsunami response efforts in East Asia and the Pacific
can be found at
www.interaction.org
.
•
USAID encourages cash donations because they allow aid professionals to procure the exact items needed (often in
the affected region); reduce the burden on scarce resources (such as transportation routes, staff time, and warehouse
space); can be transferred very quickly and without transportation costs; support the economy of the disaster-stricken
region; and ensure culturally, dietary, and environmentally appropriate assistance.
•
More information can be found at:
o
USAID: www.usaid.gov – Keyword: Donations
o
The Center for International Disaster Information: www.cidi.org or (703) 276-1914
o
Information on relief activities of the humanitarian community can be found at
www.reliefweb.int
.
USAID/OFDA bulletins appear on the USAID web site at
http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/