Handicap International works for and in behalf of people with disabilities in developing countries and post-conflict zones so that they may again “live standing up”.

A comprehensive emergency response to Ketsana

© A. Shivji / Handicap International

Almost two months after tropical storm Ketsana hit the Philippines, several thousand families continue to suffer the effects of flooding, which were compounded by the arrival of typhoons Parma and Santi a few weeks later.

Many areas still remain flooded and are expected to stay flooded for at least another four months. Many families have no choice but to stay in evacuation centers or to continue living in their flooded or damaged homes. Handicap International launched its emergency response immediately after the passage of Ketsana, and continues to respond to the needs arising from the devastation caused by the three typhoons. Handicap International is currently implementing projects in the province of Rizal in Region IV-A, one of the areas worst affected by the typhoons.

Handicap International's emergency activities ensure a comprehensive and inclusive response to the needs of extremely vulnerable groups in the affected communities, while also addressing those of the population as a whole.

In emergency situations, extremely vulnerable persons such as those with disabilities, older persons and persons suffering from medical conditions are at a greater risk of being excluded from relief efforts. These people therefore face a greater challenge in coping with and surviving the disaster. To respond to this situation, Handicap International has set up with the support of ECHO* a series of Disability and Vulnerability Focal Points (DVFPs) that focus on responding to the needs of extremely vulnerable persons and their households by ensuring that they benefit from the relief efforts. The DVFP teams regularly visit evacuation centers and communities, going from household to household to identify the specific needs of these individuals. Through these teams, Handicap International has distributed emergency aid, including items designed to address basic needs, as well as more specific items including walking aids (wheelchairs, walking sticks and crutches) to replace those lost and damaged in the floods. Handicap International also provides pressure-relief mattresses and regular mattresses, toilet chairs to address access problems to sanitary facilities, and medical consumables such as catheters and urine bags. Handicap International also participated in the distribution of 300 Unicef hygiene kits in Tahanan Walang Hagdanan.

Psychosocial support
Handicap International has also conducted a number of psychosocial support activities, ranging from home visits targeting extremely vulnerable households to group sessions for IDPs in evacuation centers. Activities have also been performed in Special Education schools for children with disabilities in the affected areas, their families, caregivers and teachers. 

In addition, Handicap International has constructed a number of bridges in communities where floodwaters have made it impossible for affected residents to move around, thereby preventing them from accessing relief services. Handicap International has also repaired bridges which posed safety hazards to extremely vulnerable individuals, with the aim of enabling them to move around more freely.

In partnership with Islamic Relief, a number of waste management measures have also been implemented. Eleven community cleaning kits were provided to barangays in the area, while members of the various communities affected were mobilized to clean up the debris and waste left by the floods. Handicap International is also providing additional trucks to help clear up the debris. So far, 600 cubic meters of debris has been cleared in five barangays.

Faced with the continuing closure of evacuation centers, many families are left without housing of any kind. Handicap International is taking action to address the needs of those affected. 1,200 repair kits will therefore be distributed to families whose homes have been damaged and 250 emergency shelters will be constructed for the most vulnerable families. Handicap International will also conduct awareness-raising sessions to underline the importance of safe construction. Handicap International is also planning to promote the inclusion of the most vulnerable groups in emergency operations.

* The European Commission's Humanitarian Aid Department.