Typhoon Haiyan crisis deepens in Philippines

UNICEF is urgently appealing for $34m to aid the more than four million children of the Philippines affected by Typhoon Haiyan, which ripped through the archipelago four days ago.

"With every day that goes by, thousands of children are becoming weaker and more vulnerable to disease," said Tomoo Hozumi, UNICEF Representative in the Philippines. "The collapse of water and sanitation systems, and destruction of homes and schools, all are putting children at huge risk and in need of urgent help."

The appeal is a first estimate of the requirements needed to help children and their families survive and recover. It is expected to cover the first six months of relief efforts.

Some UNICEF supplies have already been delivered, including portable toilets to hard-hit Tacloban. A truck hauling hygiene supplies (including soap, detergent and personal hygiene items), education materials and recreational materials is also making its way to the area.

UNICEF is purchasing 10,000 water kits and 10,500 family water kits locally, as well as water tablets for 6.3 million liters of water. From its global supply warehouse in Copenhagen, UNICEF is sending over 20 generators to power water treatment plants. Over 1,200 water quality testing kits are also being sent, as well as collapsible water containers. UNICEF Philippines is currently in the process of moving 10,000 packs of water purification tablets, 3,000 hygiene kits and two water treatment units into affected areas.

An estimated 100,000 children under the age of five, and 60,000 pregnant or nursing mothers were displaced by Haiyan. 

UNICEF is also working with local authorities to identify and register children who may be separated from their families. UNICEF will use funding to support strengthening national, regional, and local government bodies, including local and barangay councils for the welfare of children since these institutions have been weakened during previous emergencies.

In response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, Global Impact has established the Philippines Typhoon Haiyan Fund to address critical humanitarian needs in the hardest hit regions.

Contributions to the fund will support the rescue, relief and rebuilding efforts of Global Impact’s alliance of US-based international charities. Donations will provide people and communities in need with clean drinking water, food supplies, relief kits, necessary medical attention and safe shelter.

Many Global Impact Charity Alliance partners are on the ground, poised to respond, including: AmeriCares, Children International, Doctors Without Borders, Heifer International, Mercy Corps, Save the Children, UNICEF, and World Vision Inc.

“Major disasters require both short-term disaster relief and long-term international support to fuel recovery efforts,” stated Scott Jackson, president and ceo of Global Impact. “We are setting up this fund now so resources will be available to meet immediate needs after the storm and to establish long-term sustainable programs for rebuilding.”

 

Picture credit: © Andre Klopper | Dreamstime Stock Photos