Over 190,000 Affected by BARMM Floods; Oxfam partners launch emergency response

May 28, 2025

On 21 May, Oxfam Pilipinas, People’s Disaster Risk Reduction Network, and United Youth of the Philippines-Women (UnYPhil-Women) deployed rapid assessment teams and provided hygiene and water kits to 214 households in Brgy. Lagundi and Balong in Tugunan in the BARMM Special Geographic Area. A further 150 families were also provided with household items to replace dining and kitchen items lost during the flooding.

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Torrential rains brought by the Intertropical Convergence Zone since 14 May have caused severe flooding across parts of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), affecting over 192,000 people. On 21 May, Oxfam Pilipinas, People’s Disaster Risk Reduction Network, and United Youth of the Philippines-Women (UnYPhil-Women) deployed rapid assessment teams and provided hygiene and water kits to 214 households in Brgy. Lagundi and Balong in Tugunan in the BARMM Special Geographic Area. A further 150 families were also provided with household items to replace dining and kitchen items lost during the flooding. The teams will remain in the area to monitor the situation in adjacent barangays as flood waters persist in the area.

This response is part of the European Union-funded ACCESS project (Assisting the Most Vulnerable Communities and Schools Affected by Complex Emergencies), supported by EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid and implemented by consortium members ACCORD Incorporated, Action Against Hunger Philippines, CARE Philippines, Community Organizers Multiversity, Humanity & Inclusion – Philippines, Integrated Mindanaons Association for Natives (IMAN), Leading Individuals to Flourish and Thrive (LIFT), Mindanao Organization for Social and Economic Progress, Inc. (MOSEP), Nagdilaab Foundation Inc., National Rural Women Coalition (PKKK), Notre Dame of Jolo College, Oxfam Pilipinas, Philippine Relief and Development Services (PHILRADS), Plan International Pilipinas, Save the Children Philippines, Simon of Cyrene Community Rehabilitation & Development Foundation Inc., UnYPhil-Women, and Peoples Disaster Risk Reduction Network.

A staff member from UnYPhil-Women explains to the community in Barangay Balong, Tugunan how waterborne diseases can be avoided. Photo by Michael Makilan/Oxfam Pilipinas.

Despite the sunny weather, waist-deep flooding persists in many areas in Barangay Balong, Tugunan, which places residents at risk of waterborne diseases such as leptosprirosis. Photo by Michael Makilan/Oxfam Pilipinas.

Residents line up for validation and registration with the rapid response teams before the distribution of items. Validation is an essential part of humanitarian responses to ensure that the most vulnerable sectors are prioritized and supported during times of disaster. Photo by Naima Salwang/UnYPhil-Women.

The barangay hall of Barangay Balong remains flooded as women carry kitchen non-food items provided by the ACCESS project to their residence. Household items like pots and pans are often washed away or damaged by floods which makes cooking their own food difficult even after floods have subsided. Photo by Michael Makilan/Oxfam Pilipinas.