CARE Philippines on high alert as Typhoon Nando intensifies

CARE Philippines and its humanitarian partners are preparing emergency response operations as Tropical Cyclone Nando, internationally known as Ragasa, intensifies over Central and Northern Luzon.

The cyclone is expected to strengthen into a super typhoon by Monday, September 22, bringing destructive winds and torrential rains.

Emergency response teams are on standby to conduct rapid needs assessments and provide life-saving aid to the communities projected to be hardest hit.

“Our immediate concern is for the safety of families in the typhoon’s path, especially those in low-lying, coastal, upland, and indigenous communities,” said Reiza S. Dejito, country director of CARE Philippines.

“Disasters do not affect everyone equally. We know from experience that women and girls face heightened risks, and ensuring their safety, dignity, and specific needs are met will be at the core of our response,” she added.

Dejito emphasized that CARE is coordinating with local partners and called for open humanitarian access so responders can reach last-mile communities.

“With PAGASA projecting Super typhoon level for TC Nando, our preparations are moving into the operational phase,” said Jessan Catre, humanitarian, disaster resilience and peacebuilding coordinator at CARE Philippines.

“Our assessment teams are ready for deployment, and provide emergency supplies for immediate distribution to the most affected families,” he added.

Catre said partnerships with community leaders, NGOs, and local governments will help guide CARE’s efforts to ensure aid reaches families in a timely and appropriate manner.

The Philippines is consistently ranked the most disaster-prone country in the world, according to the World Risk Index, underscoring the urgency of proactive preparedness.

CARE has provided humanitarian and development support in the Philippines since 1949 and continues to prioritize disaster risk reduction and local capacity building.