Those who try to leave the fighting in Marawi often do not have means to move out; public vehicles going into the city were also halted due to tightened security. As such these residents rely on relatives, authorities, or aid organizations such as the Red Cross to be able to leave the city.
Saguiaran evacuation center, Lanao del Sur
This gym is now home to many residents who fled Marawi City, often called the Islamic City of Marawi because of its predominantly Muslim population.
ICRC/R. Hashempour
Saguiaran evacuation center, Lanao del Sur
Around 2,500 displaced families crowd this evacuation center just outside Marawi, where fightings between government troops and armed groups continue.
ICRC/R. Hashempour
Saguiaran evacuation center, Lanao del Sur
ICRC teams work closely with the staff and volunteers of the Philippine Red Cross in distributing the relief items to evacuees.
Saguiaran evacuation center, Lanao del Sur
The food items distributed to evacuees can sustain a family of five for 15 days.
ICRC/R. Hashempour
Saguiaran evacuation center, Lanao del Sur
Essential household items such as cooking and eating utensils, blankets, sleeping mats, as well as hygiene items were also provided.
ICRC/R. Hashempour
Saguiaran evacuation center, Lanao del Sur
More than 2,000 displaced families in this center have so far received relief items from the Red Cross.
Around 200,000 people have fled the hostilities in Marawi City, seeking safety in evacuation centers or with relatives. The need for food, clean water, health care and sanitation is growing as authorities try to cope with the sudden influx of evacuees.
The ICRC, with the Philippine Red Cross, has been on the ground since the onset of the fighting. Together they have been providing relief items to thousands of displaced families, and enhanced their access to clean water and health care.
