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Philippines

Super Typhoon Ompong (Mangkhut): WASH Cluster Update No. 1 (2 October 2018)

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On 15 September 2018, Typhoon Mangkhut locally known as Ompong, made landfall in Baggao, Cagayan at around 1:40 AM with maximum sustained winds of 205 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 285 kph with movement of 35 kph West Northwest (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration).

Based on official reports by government and non-government agencies, Typhoon Mangkhut affected around 1.4 million people across Regions I (Ilocos), II (Cagayan Valley), III (Central Luzon), and the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR).

Key Assessment Findings:

The WASH Cluster partners have conducted assessments from Day 1 and have since been responding to the emergency needs of the affected population through the leadership of the Department of Health (DOH). Some of the key assessment findings are:

• Most of the affected population are using Level I and II water systems (handpumps and deep well). These systems were either heavily damaged, destroyed, or have temporarily become non-functional. Some water sources have not undergone bacteriological testing even before the typhoon.

• Level III or piped water systems in some municipalities like Gattaran in Cagayan are dependent on electricity. Because there is no electricity in some areas, people are looking for other sources of water or buying bottled water (additional expense).

• Out of the assessed areas, 12 municipalities have reported that houses were partially/totally damaged, along with their toilet facilities. People expressed their need for support in repairing toilet bowls, walls and roofing.

• In Barangay Siniking in Rizal and some areas of Sto.Nino both in Cagayan, open defecation were observed. • Hygiene promotion is needed in all the affected areas, particularly messages on how to disinfect water sources and/or treat water for drinking. • Data on WASH needs in schools is still being collected by WASH and Education partners. Most assessment reports highlighted the lack of toilet facilities in some schools even before the typhoon.