Responding in the Philippines - Typhoon Phanfone and Taal Volcano

On Sunday, January 12, the Taal Volcano—located in the Calabarzon region of the Philippines, about 40 miles from Manila—began erupting. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) issued a Level 4 alert, meaning that a hazardous explosive eruption is possible within hours or days. Moreover, in the span of only eight hours during the morning of January 14 alone, there were 49 volcanic earthquakes in the region. More than 900,000 people reside in the area of concern.

This comes on the heels of the devastation of Typhoon Phanfone, which made landfall in the Philippines on December 24, affecting more than 3.2 million people and causing at least 57 deaths. The Christmas storm only exacerbated needs that existing even before it hit the island nation—more people now need access to health support, safe water, hygiene, relief supplies, and livelihoods training and resources than ever before.

International Medical Corps is helping people affected by Typhoon Phanfone and is mobilizing to address the needs surrounding Taal Volcano and the growing number of earthquakes in the region. We appreciate any support you can provide to help our teams address these urgent needs.

*Note for recurring donations: Once we have determined that the community can continue to respond to the after-effects of this emergency without us, we will scale back our response efforts. At that time, we will redirect your future donations to where it is needed most to help us respond to future outbreaks of conflict, disease or natural disasters.