More than 1,000 people have been killed by flash floods and landslides in the Philippines.

On the ground
Flash floods caused by Typhoon Washi have badly affected the southern island of Mindanao in the Philippines where more than 1,000 people are thought to have lost their lives.

The cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan were worst hit when the storm, known locally as Sendong, made landfall late on Friday and early on Saturday 17 December. Around 26,000 families have been forced to flee their homes and seek shelter in crowded evacuation centres where the potential for disease to spread is high.

There is an acute shortage of water supply, containers, and trucking capacity. Sanitation facilities in evacuation centres are extremely limited; a serious disease outbreak is waiting to happen.

Snehal Soneji, Country Director of Oxfam in the Philippines:
Oxfam has many years experience working in Mindanao where we run a number of development projects. We are currently assessing the situation with our local partners and planning the best way to respond to the disaster.

We have already distributed water bottles to around 4,000 families in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan and are planning to provide assistance to at least 5,000 more families.

By Oxfam Japan
From 2009 to 2010, Oxfam Japan supported Mindanao area to build local schools. (thanks to the donation from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Japan NGOs and Oxfam Japan supporters)
The beauriful island (the size is similar to Hokkaido) which has good land and diverse culture is the poorest area in the country. Oxfam staffs' restless aid activities are supported by Oxfam Japan supportes and we thank you for your assistance.

* It has ben reported that the schools supported by Oxfam Japan are situated in the middle of Mindanao and they are not damaged by the floods.