Iligan: The area devastated by fatal flash floods looks like it was hit by a tsunami, a UN official said yesterday as he appealed for $28 million (Dh102.76 million) in aid for the region.
UN humanitarian coordinator Soe Nyunt voiced concern about possible outbreaks of disease among the thousands living in evacuation centres after their houses were washed away last Friday when a tropical storm unleashed the flash floods.
"It was as if the cities were hit by an inland tsunami," Nyunt told reporters in Manila. "Entire areas were completely flattened.
"Aid workers were rushing in relief supplies, but a lack of running water was a major concern.
"We must improve this situation at the soonest possible time to avoid disease outbreaks that will further compound the hardships of the people already weakened by hunger and grief from loss of family and friends," Nyunt said.
He mentioned a cholera type virus that may occur due to problems stemming from congestion in the evacuation centres, where poor sanitation and hygiene posed a health risk.
Such concerns were nagging Annaliza Tumanda, who was caring for her baby daughter, Aizee, born at the height of the storm and floods that destroyed their home in Cagayan de Oro. They were at a government-run shelter in the same city.
Tumanda said she, her husband and three children — aged 3 to 8 — swam to a neighbour's three-story house. She went into labour on Saturday morning and was brought by rescuers to the roof of a health centre, where she gave birth to a healthy three kilogram baby.
"With God's will, we survived," she said. "It was like a miracle."
In all, 640,000 people have been affected by the disaster, the government and the UN said.
"Debris from houses, buildings and other structures that had been destroyed by the storm was all swept out to the sea, leaving huge areas devoid of all traces of habitation," Nyunt said.
