2012-01-11
AMDA Continues to Work for the People of Mindanao

AMDA continues its emergency medical aid for the victims of the recent tropical storm 'Sendong'(Washi). AMDA's next relief team is expected to arrive in the disaster area of Mindanao on the 13th. The team consists of Dr. Shigeru Suganami, President of AMDA, and a coordinator who have left Japan on the 12th. They will be joined by members of AMDA Philippines after their arrival in Manila.

A fierce typhoon cut across Mindanao in southern Philippines from Dec. 16th to 17th causing massive flooding, flash floods and landslides. According to the Philippines government, the death toll has reached 1,249 as of Dec 31st and the search for the missing still continues in mud and rubble.

Some of the affected people are now in evacuation centers most of which are located in schools. With the reopening of schools, people will be forced to move into tents. The number of people in evacuation centers is said to be more than 70,000 as of the end of 2011. The government official expects that it will take at least half a year to build temporary shelters for 60,000 people. Concrete plans for restoration are yet to be worked out.

The contaminated mud and water are endangering local people's daily life and health. According to the Government of the Philippines, 5 deaths and 128 cases of infection caused by Leptospirosis have been confirmed as of Jan. 1st. Leptospirosis affects both humans and animals and may even cause death in severe cases. In response to these health predicaments, AMDA plans to do assessment studies upon its arrival in the disaster area.

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