Tropical Storm Trami has wreaked havoc across the Philippines, devastating communities and leaving over 6.9 million individuals affected, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) latest report.
Southern Luzon bore the storm’s brunt, where flooding and landslides uprooted thousands of families already grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, which struck just a month prior.
In a rapid response to Trami’s destruction, CARE Philippines has mobilized its assessment teams and relief operations.
“CARE Philippines, in collaboration with other humanitarian organizations, is on the ground, conducting needs assessment and ready to deliver immediate assistance to those most affected by Tropical Storm Trami,” said Reiza S. Dejito, CARE Philippines’ country director.
Dejito emphasized the unique vulnerabilities faced by women and girls during crises, highlighting CARE’s focus on preventing gender-based violence as a core part of their relief efforts.
Across the hardest-hit areas, CARE’s partners have taken swift action. Local organization Tarabang para sa Bicol (TABI) provided hot meals to submerged communities in Legazpi City, Daraga, and Sorsogon.
Meanwhile, ACCORD, another CARE affiliate, installed a SkyHydrant water filtration system in an evacuation center in Bato, Camarines Sur, addressing the pressing need for clean water amid widespread disruptions to essential services.
“Our top priority is to address the urgent needs of those hardest hit,” Dejito said, underscoring CARE’s commitment to close coordination with local partners and authorities to deliver life-saving support while maintaining a special focus on the protection of women and girls.
CARE Philippines, which has been a leader in disaster response in the country since 1949, urged unified efforts between the government, civil society, and private sectors to effectively manage the crisis and lay the groundwork for recovery.
“The scale of need is vast, and only through coordinated efforts can we help affected communities and prevent further loss of life,” Dejito added.
The Philippines’ vulnerability to natural disasters is well-documented, ranking as the world’s most disaster-prone country with the least capacity to respond, according to the 2023 World Risk Index.
As CARE Philippines continues its on-the-ground support, the organization is calling for sustained aid and planning to ensure a resilient recovery for communities deeply affected by Tropical Storm Trami.
