According to a UN Humanitarian report, 11 out of the 17 regions in the country were affected by Typhoon Odette, and its most recent report show at least 407 deaths, 78 people missing and an estimated 36 million homes damaged. In addition, many coastal communities still have no access to potable water, electricity, and shelter.
Today, public health and rising market prices have become an urgent concern for coastal communities, especially since there is an ongoing pandemic on top of most fisheries and agriculture being wiped out from the typhoon. Although there is currently no official data on the status of the coral reefs after the typhoon, CCEF will be working with partners to help respond and assess the damage of affected coastal communities in our project sites
Last January 21, the CCEF team went to Olanggo Island to assess the damage of the typhoon in coastal communities as well as in marine sanctuaries.
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Overturned mangrove from the substrate being washed out -
Wharf with only poles left from the typhoon
Olanggo Island was one of the small islands located in Mactan, Cebu which were greatly affected by the Typhoon. To date, there is still no potable water and electricity in the island and access via ferry is no longer possible because of the wharf being completely destroyed. As seen in the image above, the entire boardwalk was removed from the top of the poles, and the mud and sand which held the mangroves facing the wharf area were completely washed out.
Many coastal communities which are part of our project sites are still in need of help. Due to heightened Covid-19 restrictions, in addition to destroyed access roads and wharfs, travel to these areas have become much more difficult and aid is arriving slower than expected.
Help us reach out to coastal communities in need. Send us a message at info@coast.ph
