Oxfam ready to respond to Super Typhoon Haima in Philippines

Oxfam is preparing to respond to Super Typhoon Haima as it heads for the northern Philippines, should assistance be requested.

Known locally as Lawin, Super Typhoon Haima is predicted to make landfall in northern Luzon overnight and is packing devastating winds of up to 270 km/h.

Oxfam Australia’s Associate Director of International Programs Anthea Spinks said millions of Filipinos could be affected if the huge storm maintained its current course.

“Super Typhoon Haima is bringing very destructive winds and torrential rainfall, and it could cause storm surges and flash flooding in northern Philippines,” said Spinks.

“We are also concerned about the potential for landslides, due to the mountainous terrain in northern Luzon and the already saturated ground after Typhoon Sarika, known locally as Karen, hit on the weekend. As it currently stands, Super Typhoon Haima could be the strongest storm to hit The Philippines this year.”

Oxfam has strong response capacity in The Philippines with a large team on the ground, and is prepared to respond if needed.  Oxfam has expertise in water supply, sanitation and hygiene, emergency food security and livelihoods.

“If Super Typhoon Haima maintains its current intensity and path the consequences could be devastating for the northern Philippines,” said Spinks.