UNICEF Steps up Emergency Response to Super Typhoon Haiyan

UNICEF NZ (UN Children’s Fund)

Media Release

11 November 2013

UNICEF Steps up Emergency Response to Super Typhoon Haiyan – Up to 4 Million Kids Now Affected

UNICEF NZ Emergency appeal. Donate at: www.unicef.org.nz/philippines

UNICEF is rushing emergency supplies to areas of the Philippines ravaged by Super Typhoon Haiyan on 8 November, as the latest estimates indicate that up to 4 million children could now be affected by the disaster.

Therapeutic food for children, health kits, water and hygiene kits to support families in the affected areas have already been mobilised from supplies available in the country, with distribution prioritised for the Tacloban area as soon as access is possible.

"We are rushing to get critical supplies to children who are bearing the brunt of this crisis,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Tomoo Hozumi.

“Reaching the worst affected areas is very difficult, with limited access due to the damage caused by the typhoon to infrastructure and communications. But we are working around the clock to find ways to get these supplies to children as quickly as conditions allow,” Mr Hozumi added.

UNICEF’s warehouse in Copenhagen is airlifting US$1.3 million worth of additional supplies for another 10,000 families, including those affected by the recent earthquake in Bohol. The shipments contain water purification tablets, soap, medical kits, tarpaulins, and micronutrient supplements. 

Children who have escaped the terrible violence of Haiyan still need urgent assistance to survive the aftermath of the storm. Particular concerns include health, due to the impact of the typhoon on water supply and sanitation systems. Children also need safe and protected spaces to be able to play and resume studying while adults work to recover their homes and livelihoods.

UNICEF’s resources are stretched from responding simultaneously to three emergencies in the Philippines: the armed conflict in Zamboanga on 9 September, the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Bohol on 15 October and now super typhoon Haiyan on 8 November.

Dennis McKinlay, Executive Director of UNICEF NZ said “We are deeply concerned about the impact of this emergency on children with huge numbers now affected. Many children and families are without the basics like clean water, sanitation and food.

“Many children will also be separated from their families and child exploitation and trafficking is a real concern. In the difficult days ahead we’ll be doing all we can to protect children and reach those affected with critical supplies, to safeguard their health, safety and wellbeing.

“As a charity relying on public support, we urgently need donations in New Zealand to support UNICEF’s emergency relief effort. With huge supplies leaving our warehouses we need to be able to replenish those stocks and continue our support for children affected across the Philippines.”

New Zealanders can donate to UNICEF’s relief effort at www.unicef.org.nz/philippines

UNICEF is well placed to cope with disasters in the Philippines having had offices there since 1948. We have strong partnerships with the Government and other partners in place. We usually have 60 staff on the ground whose work includes disaster risk reduction, education, health, nutrition, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene. More teams are on the way to boost our resources in country.

The population of the Philippines is approximately 94 million, with 40 million of the total population under 18 years old. 18% of people live below the extreme poverty line of US $1.25 a day.

Further updates to be made on the impact of Typhoon Haiyan as more information is available. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

ENDS

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