Heavy rainfall has triggered severe flooding and landslides in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, affecting 413 barangays and more than 120,000 families, especially in Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur and Lanao del Sur.

Heavy rainfall has triggered severe flooding and landslides in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, affecting 413 barangays and more than 120,000 families, especially in Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur and Lanao del Sur.

Flashfloods were experienced in Matanog, Maguindanao del Norte, with hundreds of houses permanently damaged. Many families are still staying in evacuation centers – sleeping on the floor over plywood or laminated sheets -- with limited access to basic necessities like clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. In Balabagan and Kapatagan, Lanao del Sur, communities are facing similar challenges, with some evacuation centers without electricity and limited access to water and toilet facilities.

Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and babies are especially vulnerable, facing dire conditions in overcrowded evacuation centers. Many lack access to basic necessities like clean water, sanitation, healthcare and clothing for infants. There is also a need to provide nutritious food. Without immediate assistance, the risk of waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and complications during pregnancy and childbirth could increase.

UNFPA Philippines is on the ground with partners, learning about the needs of affected communities, especially when it comes to sexual and reproductive health services. During our last visit, among the needs identified were hygiene kits with sanitary napkins, maternity kits, clean delivery kits, medicines and vitamins for pregnant women, potable water, cooking wares, sleeping mats, baby clothes, sanitation facilities with ample lighting and locks, partitions for tents, and mosquito notes.