Taal Volcano in the Philippines
We’re supporting families who lost their homes after the volcano eruption and have been left vulnerable to coronavirus
What happened?
In January 2020, the Taal Volcano erupted in the Philippines.
Over 580,000 people were affected, with many taking temporary shelter in crowded evacuation centres or staying with loved ones.
Now, more than four months later, many people have not been able to return home. There are still around 2,000 families living with host families.
As concerns around coronavirus grow, these families are living in cramped conditions and are unable to take precautions like social distancing.
Taal Volcano Facts
- The Taal volcano is the second most active volcano in the Philippines
- Its last eruption was 43 years ago in 1977
- The eruption in January spewed ash up to 9 miles in the air, forcing people to evacuate their homes
- Over 2,400 volcano tectonic earthquakes have occurred since the eruption
Read more about volcanoes, how they erupt, and the effects of an eruption.
How are we helping?
We have supported around 2,000 families with essential items like shelter kits, tarpaulins, rope, mosquito nets and solar lights.
These items will allow host families to extend the footprint of their homes, providing more space for social distancing.
The Philippines is one of the world’s worst disaster-affected countries. That’s why we have aid stored locally in Cebu, making it quick and easy for us to respond in times like this.
We can’t do our work alone, so we will be partnering with YKBI (Yakap sa Kaunlaran ng Bata Inc) who will help as we carefully select and distribute aid.
We have also sent a small number of tarpaulins, ropes and fixings to Eversley Sanitorium, a public hospital in Cebu serving the poorest and most marginalised members of the community. Our aid will be used to create extra spaces to treat patients in both emergency admissions and triage areas.
Shelter kits
A selection of hardwearing tools and materials that will allow families to extend the footprint of their homes.
Mosquito nets
Coated with insecticide, our mosquito nets offer an extra layer of protection by killing insects on and around the net.
Solar lights
These lights enable families who are staying together to cook meals and children to finish their homework when it gets dark.
How does shelter save lives during coronavirus?
Coronavirus is a deadly risk for vulnerable families who have lost their homes. But shelter can save lives by:
- Helping families to self-isolate and stay as healthy as possible
- Helping to adapt or expand a vulnerable family’s home to ease overcrowding and allow social distancing
- Helping people move from evacuation centres where families live close together
- Helping to reduce sharing of essential household items between families
By slowing the spread of the virus, shelter can save lives. You can give people shelter by supporting us today.
All photos taken during previous responses to disasters in the Philippines
Working through coronavirus
In the Philippines, we will be taking additional steps to protect our team and ensure we don’t spread coronavirus to the families we are supporting.
Precautions include wearing face masks and gloves, frequent hand washing, and maintaining a distance from people in the affected communities.
We are determined to make sure that families can recover quickly, stay healthy and be less exposed to the risks of coronavirus.
Learn more about our coronavirus response.