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December 4, 2014 - Los Angeles, Calif. –International Medical Corps’ team in the Philippines is closely monitoring Super Typhoon Hagupit (locally known as Ruby) which is expected to make landfall Saturday, December 6. With wind gusts already reaching nearly 185 mph, Hagupit has the potential to have devastating humanitarian impact in areas still struggling to recover from Typhoon Haiyan in November 2013. International Medical Corps’ local teams are prepositioning supplies, coordinating with local partners and preparing to conduct rapid humanitarian assessments following the storm.
Hagupit is projected to hit Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, and Leyte Provinces which were previously devastated by Haiyan with an estimated 14 million people affected and 6,000 deaths. International Medical Corps was on the ground in the Philippines within 24 hours of Haiyan, delivering 14,625 health consultations in the first 6 weeks alone. The organization was able to reach remote communities cut off from health care and basic services by rapidly implementing a network of mobile medical units. Today, International Medical Corp is still working in the Philippines delivering critical health care and training services to help communities return to self-reliance. The organization is providing services in health, nutrition, mental health and water, sanitation and hygiene.
International Medical Corps was a first responder to numerous natural disasters in Asia, including Cyclone Phailin in India in 2013, the earthquake and tsunami in Japan in 2011, the 2005 earthquake in Pakistan, and the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.
Since its inception 30 years ago, International Medical Corps' mission has been consistent: relieve the suffering of those impacted by war, natural disaster and disease, by delivering vital health care services that focus on training. This approach of helping people help themselves is critical to returning devastated populations to self-reliance. Visit www.InternationalMedicalCorps.org for more information. Also see us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
