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Impact and Response to Typhoon Carina in the Philippines

GOOVER DAILY REPORT August 17, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Impact of Typhoon Carina
  3. Humanitarian Response
  4. Healthcare Challenges Post-Typhoon
  5. Community and Social Impact
  6. Economic Impact and Recovery
  7. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report titled 'Impact and Response to Typhoon Carina in the Philippines' provides a comprehensive analysis of the extensive effects of Typhoon Carina on the Philippines, emphasizing significant human casualties, displacement, and infrastructural damage. It details the immediate response from governmental bodies such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Department of Health (DOH), as well as efforts from non-governmental organizations like the BDO Foundation and corporate entities such as Suzuki Philippines. The report also highlights public health challenges post-typhoon, including the surge in leptospirosis and dengue cases, and the role of community programs like Ariel's 'Cycles of Care'. The aim is to offer an in-depth understanding of the event and the coordinated efforts to alleviate its aftermath.

2. Impact of Typhoon Carina

  • 2-1. Casualties and Displacement

  • Typhoon Carina, in combination with other weather systems, significantly impacted the Philippines. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), over 3.6 million individuals (roughly a million families) were affected. Specifically, 971,667 families across 3,110 barangays in 16 out of 17 regions experienced various impacts, with Eastern Visayas being the only unaffected region. Central Luzon had the highest number of affected individuals, with 2,134,938 people. Tragically, the NDRRMC reported 28 fatalities attributed to Typhoon Carina, most of which were from drowning and electrocution incidents. However, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a higher death toll of 34, comprising 12 from Calabarzon, 11 from Metro Manila, and 9 from Central Luzon. Also, 260,062 families (1,069,354 individuals) were reported displaced, with 42,673 families (168,933 individuals) staying in evacuation centers.

  • 2-2. Property and Infrastructure Damage

  • The typhoon caused extensive damage to property and infrastructure. According to the NDRRMC, 720 houses were reported damaged, with the total damage cost estimated at P2.66 million. 105 cities and municipalities, including all 16 cities and one municipality in Metro Manila, were placed under a state of calamity. The impact on roads and bridges was also significant, with 343 road sections affected (98 of which were not passable) and 24 bridges impacted (9 of which remained inaccessible). Agricultural damage was substantial, with the Department of Agriculture's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center reporting an initial cost of P612.6 million. Rice accounted for the majority of the damage at P507.33 million, affecting 8,022 metric tons, followed by corn at P58.59 million (2,857 metric tons).

  • 2-3. Public Health Issues

  • Public health challenges emerged following the typhoon due to the widespread flooding and displacement. Residents reported difficulty in accessing food and clean water. Many affected individuals, such as those in Barangay Malanday, Marikina, emphasized the immediate need for food aid as they struggled with cleaning the mud and debris from their homes while having nothing to eat. Health risks also increased due to prolonged exposure to flooded conditions, including potential outbreaks of waterborne diseases. Additionally, evacuations and crowded conditions in shelters posed further public health risks that required immediate attention from health agencies and aid organizations.

3. Humanitarian Response

  • 3-1. Government Relief Efforts

  • In response to Typhoon Carina, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the Department of Health (DOH) to set up clinics and deploy medical teams to evacuation centers across the country. He emphasized the necessity for immediate medical attention, especially for children and elderly individuals who require maintenance medications. Despite the absence of DOH representatives at the briefing, the President insisted that his instructions be communicated to ensure timely medical assistance. Furthermore, many areas in Luzon were declared in a state of calamity to expedite relief operations and medical care.

  • 3-2. NGO and Private Sector Involvement

  • Non-governmental organizations and private entities played a significant role in providing relief to victims of Typhoon Carina. Ariel Philippines, in collaboration with Save5 Laundromat and Beko, launched the 'Cycles of Care' community program, offering free laundry services to those affected. The program notably served over 13,000 families, cleaned over 216,000 kgs of clothes, and conducted over 27,000 washing machine cycles. Additionally, P&G Philippines donated health and hygiene products such as soap, shampoo, and diapers, which were distributed through partnerships with organizations like the Philippine Red Cross, Manila Water Foundation, and World Vision Philippines.

  • 3-3. Donations and Community Support

  • Numerous donation drives and relief operations were conducted to support Typhoon Carina victims. Organizations such as Tulong Kabataan PH, Alliance of Concerned Teachers' Tulong Guro, Angat Buhay, and the Philippine Red Cross collected monetary donations, food packs, hygiene kits, clothes, and other essential items. The donations aimed to provide immediate relief, including hot meals, medical assistance, and basic necessities to displaced individuals. The community and private sectors’ coordinated efforts greatly contributed to alleviating the hardships faced by affected families and restoring a sense of normalcy in their lives.

4. Healthcare Challenges Post-Typhoon

  • 4-1. Surge in Leptospirosis and Dengue

  • Following Typhoon Carina, there has been a significant surge in leptospirosis and dengue cases in the Philippines. As of August 3, 2024, 2,115 cases of leptospirosis have been recorded nationwide, which is a 23 percent decrease compared to the 2,757 cases during the same period last year. However, the delayed reporting and the disease’s long incubation period of two to 30 days may affect the final numbers. The Department of Health (DOH) reported 523 new leptospirosis cases and 43 deaths from August 8 to 13. Of these, 81 percent were adults and 19 percent were young patients. Health officials are urging caution and behavioral changes to combat the rise in cases, and they continue to recommend antibiotic prophylaxis for those exposed to floodwaters.

  • 4-2. Medical Infrastructure and Response

  • The surge in leptospirosis cases has put a strain on medical infrastructure. Hospitals like San Lazaro Hospital and the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) have been operating at surge capacity. The DOH has directed hospitals to allot more beds for leptospirosis patients, and additional beds have been placed in non-traditional areas like gyms to accommodate the overflow. San Lazaro Hospital reported a lack of manpower and medicine due to the increase in cases, and currently has only four hemodialysis machines for patient use. To mitigate these issues, antibiotic prophylaxis against leptospirosis is widely available by prescription, and free Doxycycline capsules are distributed at government health centers and hospitals. The PRC has extended medical services, including providing additional nursing staff and medical tents to overwhelmed hospitals.

  • 4-3. Public Health Recommendations

  • The DOH continues to recommend antibiotic prophylaxis for individuals who had contact with floodwaters, with Doxycycline available for free at government health centers and hospitals. They also stress the importance of not waiting for symptoms to appear before consulting a doctor or health center. The DOH encourages the public to seek medical assistance, especially if they exhibit symptoms two weeks after exposure to floodwaters, to avoid the risk of death. The incubation period for leptospirosis ranges from two to 30 days, with an average of seven to 14 days. The DOH has also maintained a price freeze on Doxycycline until September 23 to ensure accessibility to needed medications.

5. Community and Social Impact

  • 5-1. Community Programs and Initiatives

  • The community responses to Typhoon Carina included several initiatives aimed at mitigating the disaster's impact. Various local government units stepped up to provide relief and support for affected residents. For instance, the province of Bataan offered support and respite for weather forecasters, such as Robert Badrina from PAGASA, who courageously continued their duties amid the calamity. This exemplifies the broader community engagement in aiding those affected by the typhoon.

  • 5-2. Public Sentiment and Critique

  • Public sentiment following Typhoon Carina was significantly marked by empathy and community solidarity. The emotional response of weather forecaster Robert Badrina, who shared his personal struggles and those of his colleagues on social media, resonated widely with the public. His experience highlighted the communal spirit and concern for the welfare of individuals amidst the disaster. Critiques were also present, drawing comparisons with past calamities like Tropical Storm Ondoy in 2009. The memory of similar hardships reinforced the collective call for better disaster preparedness and infrastructure improvements.

  • 5-3. Cultural and Social Reflections

  • Typhoon Carina’s impact triggered deep reflections on the resilience and social fabric of the Filipino community. Cultural narratives of solidarity and the importance of family were evident in the experiences shared by those like weather reporter Anjo Pertierra, who despite personal losses, continued to fulfill their duties. The typhoon also sparked comparisons with past events, reinforcing the historical context of natural disasters in the Philippines and the enduring spirit of its people in the face of such challenges.

6. Economic Impact and Recovery

  • 6-1. Agricultural Damage

  • The initial cost of damage to the agriculture sector due to Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon was placed at P612.6 million, which is a 53% increase from the previous P399.91 million, as reported by the Department of Agriculture's Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center. The total affected area covered 28,201 hectares, of which 20,009 hectares, or 70.95%, could potentially recover. The bulk of the damage came from rice, amounting to P507.33 million (8,022 metric tons), followed by corn, which incurred losses worth P58.59 million (2,857 metric tons). High-value crops were also affected, with damages amounting to P46.28 million, alongside damage to 2,416 heads of livestock.

  • 6-2. Business and Financial Support

  • Suzuki Philippines extended assistance to flood-damaged Suzuki vehicles by offering a 30% discount on select parts and a 10% discount on labor. This initiative was available at participating Suzuki dealerships in NCR and Luzon, covering essential vehicle parts like the Engine Control Module (ECM), ABS Control Module (ABS), Body Control Module (BCM), and SRS Control Unit (SRS). The discounted parts and labor could be availed until December 31, 2024. Moreover, according to the Department of Agriculture, assistance available for distribution to affected farmers and fishers included 72,174 bags of rice seeds, 39,546 bags of corn seeds, 59,600 pouches, and 1,966 kilograms of vegetable seeds. Loans up to P25,000 were also accessible through the Survival and Recovery Loan Program. Additionally, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources provided fingerlings, fishing gears, and other equipment.

  • 6-3. Long-Term Economic Implications

  • As per National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Typhoon Carina’s impact led to damage to infrastructure, including 343 road sections, of which 98 are still impassable, and 24 bridges, of which nine remain not passable. The overall damage to 720 houses was placed at P2.66 million, with 105 cities and municipalities declared under a state of calamity. The long-term economic implications include prolonged displacement of affected families and individuals, with 260,062 families or 1,069,354 individuals still displaced. Of these, 42,673 families or 168,933 individuals are staying at evacuation centers, while the rest are taking shelter with relatives and friends. The widespread disruption and destruction also highlighted the pressing need for coordinated relief efforts and underscored potential long-term challenges in infrastructure and governance, perpetuating risks for future calamities.

7. Conclusion

  • Typhoon Carina profoundly affected the Philippines, revealing critical vulnerabilities in the country's disaster preparedness and management infrastructure. The report underscores the significant loss of lives and property, with 34 fatalities reported by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and substantial economic impacts including agricultural damages estimated at P612.6 million. Public health was notably strained, evidenced by the surge in leptospirosis and dengue cases. Coordinated relief efforts were vital, with the NDRRMC and DOH playing central roles in immediate response activities, supplemented by NGO and private sector initiatives like those from the BDO Foundation and Suzuki Philippines. Despite these efforts, the challenges pointed out in the analysis emphasize the need for robust infrastructure improvements and systemic governance reforms to boost future disaster resilience. Future prospects involve strengthening public health frameworks, optimizing resource distribution, and enhancing community-based support systems to mitigate the impacts of similar natural disasters. Practical application of the findings could lead to more efficient emergency responses and improved long-term recovery strategies.

8. Glossary

  • 8-1. Typhoon Carina [Natural Disaster]

  • A severe tropical typhoon that hit the Philippines, causing massive casualties and damage. It led to extensive flooding, displacement of populations, and posed significant health risks, such as leptospirosis and dengue.

  • 8-2. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) [Government Organization]

  • The NDRRMC coordinates disaster response and management in the Philippines. During Typhoon Carina, it played a key role in assessing impact, facilitating aid distribution, and managing evacuation and relief operations.

  • 8-3. Department of Health (DOH) [Government Organization]

  • The DOH is responsible for public health in the Philippines. Following Typhoon Carina, it managed the surge in disease outbreaks, particularly leptospirosis and dengue, and coordinated medical assistance and public health advisories.

  • 8-4. Suzuki Philippines [Private Sector]

  • Suzuki Philippines provided discounted vehicle parts and labor to customers impacted by Typhoon Carina, as part of its Flood Assistance initiative to support recovery efforts for flood-damaged vehicles.

  • 8-5. BDO Foundation [NGO]

  • The corporate social responsibility arm of BDO Unibank, which provided relief packs and support to communities affected by Typhoon Carina, showcasing a collaborative effort with other organizations for effective disaster response.

  • 8-6. Ariel ‘Cycles of Care’ Program [Community Initiative]

  • Launched by Ariel in partnership with Save5 Laundromat and Beko, this program provided free laundry services to families affected by Typhoon Carina, helping over 13,000 families and delivering essential hygiene products.

9. Source Documents