Philippines hit by 99 disasters during first half of the year

Almost a hundred disasters have hit the Philippines during the first half of the year affecting about 600,000 families according to Citizens Disasters Response Center (CDRC).

Of the 99 disasters, 20 are weather-related, including drought and floods. The remaining 79 are human-induced disasters, mostly fire-related, which accounted for 41 deaths.

CDRC's Executive Director Lourdes Louella Escandor said this year's disaster occurrences are even lower that last year's figures. "We are still expecting more typhoons, more floods and more landslides in the coming months," Escandor said. The Philippines, along with other Asian countries including China, Indonesia, India and Pakistan, among others, have been hit by a series of typhoons, landslides and other calamities in the last few weeks. In China, thousands of people died and tens of thousands more injured due to severe flooding and landslides. Pakistan was likewise hit by massive flooding due to continued heavy rainfall. Escandor stressed that communities should take steps to enhance their capacities and reduce their vulnerabilities. Disaster preparedness and cooperation of the whole community is important in reducing the impact of disasters.