• Operation update #1 Date of issue: 6/12/2024
• Operation timeframe: 12 months (29/10/2024 - 21/11/2025)
• Number of people being assisted: 59,384

To date, this Emergency Appeal, which seeks CHF 10 million, is 25 per cent funded (funding coverage including bilateral support and contributions through IFRC EA is CHF 2,517,718 as of December 2024). Further funding contributions are needed to enable the National Societies in the region, with the support of the IFRC and its membership to enable the Philippine Red Cross, to continue to meet the humanitarian needs of affected people from 16 provinces and provide humanitarian assistance and protection to people on the move.

Description of the crisis

In less than a month, the Philippines experienced a series of six tropical cyclones that had devastating impacts on the nation. Among these were Typhoons Kristine (international name Trami), Leon (Kong Rey), Marce (Yinxing), Nika (Toraji), Ofel (Usagi), and Pepito (Manyi), each contributing to the widespread destruction and challenges faced by the affected communities.

Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine (international name Trami) entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) as a tropical depression on 21 October 2024. It affected the entire Luzon and Visayas island regions extending to parts of Mindanao in the south. Even before making landfall, it caused severe flooding and landslides that impacted a significant number of people, especially in areas that were hit by the trough. The heavy rainfall led to lahar (destructive mudflows) flowing from Mount Mayon Volcano in the Bicol Region, which severely impacted both lives and livelihoods.

On 24 October, STS Kristine made landfall in Isabela province in northeast Luzon, then crossed to Ifugao, Mountain Province, and Ilocos Sur province on the same day. Kristine exited Luzon through Ilocos Sur, however, the trough of the STS continued to unleash heavy rain and winds across vast areas, severely impacting Regions III, IV-A, and V. On 25 October, STS Kristine exited the PAR and made landfall in Vietnam on 27 October. In the Philippines, STS Kristine was the 11th tropical cyclone in 2024, out of an annual average of 20 tropical cyclones that typically affect the country.

Following STS Kristine, Super Typhoon Leon (international name Kong-Rey) entered the PAR on 26 October. It passed over the far northern region of Luzon, affecting some of the remote islands in the area. Leon brought typhoon-strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, and landslides to the northern islands and the extreme northern mainland of the Philippines before exiting on 1 November.

Tropical Storm (TS) Marce (international name Yin-Xing) entered the PAR on 4 November and made landfall in Region II (Cagayan) on 7 November. The Cagayan Valley region experienced continuous heavy rains and widespread impacts due to Marce, which also affected parts of Region I, the CAR, and Region III.

After the exit of TS Marce, Tropical Cyclone (TC) Nika (international name Toraji) entered the PAR as a Low-Pressure Area on 9 November 2024. Nika later intensified into a typhoon and made landfall in the vicinity of Dilasag, Aurora (Region II), causing significant effects in Region I, Region III, and Region IV-A while two other weather disturbances with significant TC potential were hovering outside the PAR. The onslaught continued with Super Typhoon Ofel (international name Usagi), which entered PAR on 12 November and struck Baggao, Cagayan on 14 November, and Super Typhoon Pepito (international name Man-Yi), which entered PAR on 14 November, making its first landfall in Panganiban, Catanduanes on 16 November, followed by a second landfall in Dipaculao, Aurora on 17 November.

In an unprecedented event, the Philippines experienced a succession of devastating tropical storms within a single month, a first in the nation's recorded history. As a result, the same areas have been impacted repeatedly, with multiple tropical cyclones and associated hazards significantly intensifying the disasters. This escalation is attributed to existing vulnerabilities and a limited capacity for recovery, compounded by the frequency and recurrence of these events. This rapid series of tropical cyclones has inflicted extensive damage across various regions, severely impacting communities that are already grappling with vulnerabilities and limited resources.

The recent occurrence of six consecutive typhoons within a span of 29 days has led to unprecedented devastation, characterized by heavy rainfall, landslides, extensive flooding, and significant destruction. The impact has been profound, affecting over 10 million individuals and resulting in hundreds of fatalities and injuries. More than 1.4 million people have been displaced, facing dire shortages of water, sanitation, nutrition, and healthcare. Access to essential services remains severely restricted, placing the displaced population at an increased risk of health issues and malnutrition.

There is an urgent need for immediate relief efforts, including the provision of clean water, food, shelter, and medical care to safeguard lives. The scale of the needs on the ground is immense, and the Philippine Red Cross, in partnership with public authorities and other organizations, is striving to assist as many individuals as possible with available resources.

The cumulative impact of these typhoons has further weakened already vulnerable communities, indicating that recovery will be a prolonged process. The Philippines typically experiences approximately 20 typhoons annually. Super Typhoon Pepito was the 16th tropical cyclone impacted the nation. According to the Philippines Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Administration (PAGASA), Philippines is forecasted to experience two tropical cyclones in the coming weeks of December which may affect the same regions, complicating recovery efforts and necessitating more resources.