This mission report describes the findings of a team deployed by the UN Environment/OCHA Joint Unit (JEU) to the Philippines to evaluate a pesticide spill following Typhoon Fengshen.

Typhoon Fengshen struck the Philippines in June 2008, causing the MV Princess of the Stars ferry to capsize off the shore of Sibuyan Island in the central Philippines. The ferry was carrying large quantities of highly toxic pesticides in addition to an estimated 100,000 litres of engine fuel. Following a request from the Philippines Government, and in close consultation with the International Maritime Organization and the World Health Organization, the JEU and the European Commission Monitoring and Information Centre (EC-MIC) deployed a joint mission to assess the potential hazard and related impacts from the fuel and pesticides discovered on board the ferry. The team also undertook an evaluation of planned response activities at the national and international levels. A number of recommendations were made in relation to improving emergency response coordination, including contingency planning and the establishment of a command post, sampling and monitoring procedures, and future planning for emergency operations.

Consult the report here.