Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) has affected millions of people in The Philippines, with vast numbers homeless and without access to food, water or shelter. There are significant needs for mental health & psychosocial support reported by responders on the ground, and these is likely to evolve in the coming weeks and months. If you are involved in the response or are planning to respond, please join the designated group Philippines 2013 Typhoon Response (click this link to access group) to get the latest situation reports and share resources, assessments, activity updates and plans.
By joining the group, psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers can directly share resources and details of the psychosocial and mental health response that is being done in the different areas affected by Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). This group can serve as an information exchange point for those who would ask for contacts and resources with regards to the Philippine 2013 Typhoon response. Groups can also post updates on their activities, plans and coordination mechanisms, so that others can easily connect with them.
The mhpss.net site also contains over 2000 resources, many related to emergency responses from around the world, which may be of interest. It is a community of practice, with nearly 2500 members, which has supported severalemergency responses since it was launched – from the 2010 Haiti earthquake and the response to the ongoing Syrian crisis.
The Philippines 2013 Typhoon Response group will be supported by the mhpss.net online Host for Emergencies Ruth O’ Connell (ruth@mhpss.net) and mhpss.net Asia Pacific Regional Host based in Manila, Mike Quilala (mike@mhpss.net).
Do get in touch if we can help you or your organization in your MHPSS response to this disaster.