The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) boosts its relief efforts to reach storm victims in the country. WFP is aiming to provide food to 1 million flood-affected people in October which is expected to be the peak period for WFP’s three-month emergency response.
An estimated 2.5 million people have been affected by the floods, caused by torrential rains, including more than one million people who have been forced to flee their flooded homes and seek shelter and refuge at evacuation centres or with host families.
WFP has already begun moving more than 740 metric tons of rice which will be distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the worst -affected areas. The agency is also gearing up to substantially expand deliveries, with a special focus on displaced families and the most vulnerable.
Since 2006, WFP has been supporting conflict-affected populations in the Southern Philippines (Mindanao), but also supports large-scale natural disaster response on a case-by-case basis. (WFP/PIA)