UNICEF gives immediate assistance to children of the Philippines affected by tropical storm Ondoy
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MANILA, Philippines (September 28, 2009) — UNICEF has provided $143,000 in supplies to address the urgent needs of affected children and their families in the wake of tropical storm Ondoy in the Philippines. Within 24 hours of the storm hitting Manila, UNICEF supplied food and non-food items as well as temporary shelter to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for distribution to flood-stricken communities.
UNICEF expressed great concern over the growing number of children and families affected by storm Ondoy (international codename Ketsana) which dumped a month's worth of rain in 12 hours, flooding 25 percent of metro Manila and affecting more than 24 provinces around the country. The death toll has risen to 140, and is expected to still rise as relief and recovery efforts continue.
Data from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) revealed that over a million people were affected, with 226,000 people being relocated to 200 evacuation centers. Some families are still trapped on upper levels or roofs of houses awaiting rescue.
"Our hearts go out to the thousands of children and families who have been affected by the storm, whether they are still trapped in their homes and living in evacuation centers. This is a very traumatic experience for any child, especially for those who have lost their loved ones," Vanessa Tobin, UNICEF Representative, said.
UNICEF is in constant coordination with the government and other humanitarian agencies to deliver much-needed goods and services to the displaced. UNICEF officials formed part of an assessment team composed of emergency specialists and have traveled to many sites today to find out how children are being affected by the massive flooding.
"I visited the flooded sites of Taguig, Mandaluyong and Quezon City today, and was shocked by the level of devastation in many communities. But what also struck me was the amazing co-operation and generosity of the people of the capital, who have opened up their homes to assist others less fortunate in their neighborhoods,' Tobin continued.
"In the next 48 hours, we will be delivering more hygiene kits, essential medicines, water purification tablets, portable toilets and family kits containing blankets and soap to aid in relief efforts. We are also helping the government and other humanitarian agencies to address gaps in the delivery of aid to those affected," Tobin added.
As the relief and recovery efforts continue, UNICEF is concerned about the storm's long-term effects on children, including health risks posed by the widespread flooding, as well as the two tropical storms heading for the same area, and likely to hit land on Thursday or Friday.
To donate to the ongoing emergency relief efforts in the Philippines, please visit: www.unicefusa.org/donate/Philippines or call 1.800.4UNICEF.
About UNICEF
UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. Working in over 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States. UNICEF is at the forefront of efforts to reduce child mortality worldwide. There has been substantial progress—the annual number of under-five deaths dropped from 13 million in 1990 to 8.8 million in 2008. But still, 24,000 children die each day from preventable causes. Our mission is to do whatever it takes to make that number zero by giving children the essentials for a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org
Contact
Richard Alleyne, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 212.880.9177, ralleyne@unicefusa.org
