Southern Asia-Pacific Division

ADRA Philippines Responds to Severe Flooding Caused by Typhoon Kristine

ADRA aids thousands displaced by Typhoon Kristine flooding.

November 1, 2024

Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines

Geraldine Gutierrez, ADRA Philippines

ADRA Philippines volunteers organize relief packages for communities affected by Typhoon Kristine, preparing essentials to support families in need.

[Photo: Geraldine Gutierrez, ADRA Programs Manager]

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Philippines is actively aiding communities devastated by Typhoon Kristine (Trami), which swept through the Philippines on October 21, 2024, bringing torrential rains and winds that caused severe flooding in multiple regions. According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the typhoon has impacted approximately 77,910 families, or around 382,302 individuals, across the Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula regions.

In Camarines Sur, a province especially hard-hit, over 253,062 families are currently facing significant losses, with 4496 families taking temporary refuge in 913 evacuation centers. Flooded establishments and impassable streets have made daily life challenging, prompting ADRA to launch efforts to support these communities through emergency response and relief distribution.

ADRA Philippines is working closely with local government units in Bicol, coordinating resources to meet immediate needs, including distributing food supplies and other essentials to affected families. ADRA Programs Manager Geraldine Gutierrez shared powerful images from the field, depicting families who have transformed rooftops into makeshift shelters in their struggle to survive the inundation.

A woman wades through knee-deep floodwaters towards a partially submerged structure, illustrating the severe flooding caused by Typhoon Kristine. Above her, a child sits on the roof of a nearby home alongside a small dog perched on a crate, both seeking refuge from the rising water. The corrugated metal walls and damaged roof of the home reflect the storm's devastation, with flood levels forcing families to seek safety on higher ground or rooftops.

Some low-lying areas appeared to be rivers due to the flood. Several establishments, such as eateries and houses, in Pili town were also flooded. “The water rose. It was difficult due to the threat of leptospirosis. Our livelihood was also affected,” a resident said.

In a Facebook post, Mylce Mella, a citizen from Naga, said, "No one could have imagined or expected the prolonged, continuous, and heavy rainfall brought by Typhoon Kristine. While Bicolanos are no strangers to storms, this one is different—it has brought the most severe flooding we've seen in 30 years. Areas that previously had no flooding are now facing devastation. The situation in Naga is particularly critical. The overwhelming number of rescue requests has stretched our current manpower and resources to the limit," she added.

With more assessments underway, ADRA Philippines encourages individuals and organizations to contribute to the ongoing relief efforts. Donations will help provide urgently needed supplies for the most vulnerable residents as they cope with one of the region's most significant floods in recent memory. ADRA remains committed to supporting affected communities and helping them rebuild in the aftermath of Typhoon Kristine.

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division website.