The tail end of cold front affecting Bicol Region and Eastern sections of Visayas and Mindanao from January 7-12, 2009 triggered the occurrence of continuous rains which caused flashfloods/flooding, landslides and sea surges in some areas of the country.

Severely affected were Cagayan de Oro City, Gingoog City, and the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Northern Samar. High tide associated with big waves likewise occurred in Aringay, La Union, Surigao del Norte, Sulu, Palawan, and Lanao del Norte.

To date, records of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Disaster Operations Center show that 29, 489 families composed of 145, 047 persons were affected. 11 persons were reportedly dead, 2 are still missing, and 7 were injured. Houses were either totally or partially damaged.

The PNRC staff and volunteers were mobilized to provide first aid, rescue operations, and emergency evacuation. PNRC also provided emergency food ration and served hot meals in evacuation centers. Moreover, PNRC welfare desk was set for psychosocial support to affected individuals.    

As of now, rains are continiuosly experienced in Cagayan de Oro City, Gingoog City, and Misamis Oriental. Barangays in low-lying and coastal areas were put on alert for possible evacuation.

Displaced families temporarily seek shelter in 78 evacuation areas with no food and clean drinking water, making them vulnerable to health risks that may aggravate their present condition.

 
With your help, they can once again cope up with and get through this calamity.

 
Their most urgent needs are the following:

Non- Food Items: mats, jerry cans, blankets, mosquito nets (to be distributed to families who are still staying in the evacuation centers and whose houses were damaged)

Food Items: rice, noodles, sardines, sugar, coffee

Hygiene kit: toothbrush, toothpaste, bath soap, sanitary napkin, shampoo, face towel, comb

PNRC prefers cash donation so as to save logistics/ shipment cost which can still be utilized to purchase food or non food items.