Philippines typhoon: Oxfam sends out aid experts to help staff on ground

Oxfam is sending out a team of public health aid workers to complement its staff on the ground in the central Philippines area hit by the super-typhoon of Friday 1 December.

Early reports from the disaster zone indicate that over 800,000 people have been affected, 28,000 homes have been destroyed, 21,000 people are in evacuation centers and 600 people are believed to be dead or missing, mainly due to mudslides.

Oxfam is concerned that water borne diseases could be a public health problem and will be focusing its initial aid efforts on providing clean drinking water, safe sanitation and public hygiene.