Typhoon Kammuri Bears Down on the Philippines

Schools are closed, flights are canceled and hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes as Typhoon Kammuri moves ashore in the Philippines, bringing torrential rain, flooding, storm surge and destructive winds. Known locally as Typhoon Tisoy, the powerful storm made landfall in southeastern Luzon, the country's largest and most populous island, on Monday morning. The typhoon — the 20th to hit the Philippines this year — is expected to pass near the capital, Manila, on Tuesday.

Typhoon "#TisoyPH" further intensifies and has made landfall in Gubat, Sorsogon pic.twitter.com/5F5ffGVau5

— PAGASA-DOST (@dost_pagasa) December 2, 2019

Many families have taken shelter in evacuation centers; national disaster authorities are stockpiling emergency supplies and issuing public safety messages. Residents have been asked to check local weather advisories and government social media accounts. The weather bureau is also issuing warnings about potential landslides caused by heavy rain. 

"UNICEF is concerned by the potential impact of the cyclone on children and families," said Zafrin Chowdhury, Chief of Communications at UNICEF Philippines. "We are closely monitoring the situation with our government partners and stand ready to support the national emergency response with lifesaving aid that includes supplies for children, families and communities. Our staff are currently working with partners in affected areas to better understand needs."

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For over 70 years, UNICEF has been putting children first, working to protect their rights and provide the assistance and services they need to survive and thrive. With a presence in 190 countries and territories, UNICEF has helped save more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization in the world. 

Photo: NASA/NOAA