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Typhoon Ketsana 2009

Flooding caused by Typhoon Ketsana in September 2009 forced thousands of people from their homes and caused widespread damage across Southeast Asia.

Oxfam launched immediate responses to help those affected by the devastating flooding in the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Oxfam is there

Philippines

Almost 5 million people were affected by the floods, which destroyed thousands of homes. Many people were forced to seek refuge in Evacuation Centres and Temporary Relocation Sites, whilst others remained in their homes surrounded by flood waters.

Over a six month period, Oxfam provided support to 125,000 of the worst affected people in the provinces of Laguna, Rizal focusing on:

• improving access to water and sanitation facilities;
• distributing hygiene kits and promoting good hygiene practices;
• providing cash for people to buy basic household items, and to help people to start rebuilding their lives and the local economy.

Vietnam

At least 163 people were killed, 11 people are missing and another 629 people were injured when Typhoon Ketsana hit Vietnam. Over 310,000 people were evacuated before and during the typhoon and were hosted in public buildings such as schools and office buildings.

Oxfam's three month response provided support to 25,500 women, men and children most affected in Tu Mo Rong and Dak Glei districts, Kon Tum province. Emergency distribution packs included food, such as rice, dry fish, fish sauce, iodised salt, and essential household items such as water buckets, blankets, bed nets and hygiene kits.

We also aimed to improve sanitation, enhance public health and improve access to safe water in the two districts.

Cambodia

More than 10,000 families needed urgent humanitarian aid in the aftermath of Typhoon Ketsana. More than 30,000 hectares of rice crops were flooded.

Oxfam sent in relief teams to the four hard-hit areas: Kampong Thom, Preah Vihear, Stueng Treng and Kratie. We helped support families worst affected with basic essentials such as shelter, water, hygiene kits and mosquito nets.

You can help

Oxfam aims to respond immediately to humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters, but we can only do this if we have funds ready when they are needed. You can help:

• Donate now to Oxfam's disaster response fund
• or call on 0800 400 666