Category four Typhoon Haima (locally known as Lawin) continues to strengthen and will be hitting Northern Luzon, Philippines with heavy rains and strong winds. An estimated 2.7 million people will be affected by Haima in several provinces in northern part of the country.
In its bulletin issued 8 am on Wednesday, state weather bureau PAGASA said Haima now has maximum winds of up to 210 kilometers per hour (km/h) and gustiness of up to 260 km/h. Moderate to heavy rain is expected within Haima’s 700-km diameter. PAGASA earlier warned that Haima could become a super typhoon and may cause storm surges in coastal communities and landslides and flashfloods in upland and low-lying areas. In PAGASA classification, a super typhoon has maximum winds of at least 240 km/h.
CARE is closely monitoring the typhoon situation and coordinating with UNOCHA, the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council and international non-government organization networks in Manila. CARE has activated its emergency response team and mobilized partner organizations located in areas to be affected by the typhoon (Cagayan, Ilocos and Cordillera). CARE and its partners Citizen’s Disaster Response Center, Cordillera Disaster Response and Development Services and Ilocos Center for Research, Empowerment and Development have started prepositioning food packs and non-food items.
“Our emergency team and our partner organizations are ready to carry out rapid assessments in affected areas and provide relief assistance,” said David Gazashvili, CARE Philippines’ Country Director.
“Typhoon Haima is reported to be strong and may cause significant damage in infrastructure and livelihoods. Our partners are also helping disseminate information in communities to prepare for this typhoon,” added Gazashvili.
CARE has provided emergency food packs yesterday in communities heavily affected by typhoon Sarika in Central Luzon region and also conducted information sharing in communities about taking precautionary measures for approaching typhoon Haima.
CARE has already responded to three emergencies in this area since November 2015, and has established linkages with communities and local government units. CARE has worked in the Philippines since 1949, providing emergency relief when disaster strikes and helping communities prepare for disasters. CARE’s past responses in the Philippines have included typhoon Bopha in 2012, Haiyan in 2013, Hagupit in 2014, Koppu and Melor in 2015. CARE continues assisting typhoon Haiyan-affected communities helping them to rebuild their livelihoods.
*Haima, with maximum sustained winds up to 137 mph as of the moment, is a category 4 typhoon under the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale
Media Contact
Nicole Harris, nharris@care.org, 404-735-0871