Expert advice developed by Loughborough University on how to provide safe drinking water and sanitation services in emergency situations is being distributed across the Philippines.

The UN estimate that 11 million people may have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan – one of the most powerful storms on record – 673,000 of which are now displaced.

To support the relief effort vital technical publications created by the University’s Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC) are being distributed to charities, governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working in the affected areas. 

WEDC, part of the School of Civil and Building Engineering, is a world-leading education and research institute specialising in fostering knowledge and capacity in water supply and sanitation in developing countries.  It works directly with some of the world’s biggest charitable organisations and NGOs, providing free expert advice on lifesaving issues.

WEDC staff work across the globe providing emergency support, as well as delivering expert training for people working on the ground to improve conditions for those living in some the world’s poorest countries.

Speaking about its role in the Philippines WEDC’s Mike Smith said: “Typhoon Haiyan has completely devastated large parts of the Philippines and anything that WEDC can do to support the country’s recovery we will do.  The centre has already been contacted directly by one NGO that has close links to WEDC for information on water resources, and our emergency water and sanitation guidance documents have been distributed to many others working in the area.  We will continue to offer any extra support needed.”

To make a donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal supporting the Philippines click here.

WEDC’s information resources on emergencies can be viewed here

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