7th November 2014
One Year on From Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines and the Level of Need is Still Massive, Says Save the Children
It’s a year since the Philippines was devastated by the largest storm to ever make landfall, and despite a massive
immediate relief effort, the level of need remains high says Save the Children.
Typhoon Haiyan tore through the Philippines killing more than 6,000 people, displacing more than 4 million and affecting
14 million.
Children in the worst affected areas have told Save the Children that there is still much to do and full recovery will
be impossible without jobs and food.
Axel aged 9 said “Our house still needs repairs. My father also needs work. Sometimes he has no job. Sometimes we do not
have money or food.”
Chief Executive of Save the Children New Zealand Heather Hayden says ongoing support for the rebuild of the Philippines
is vital.
“Save the Children is committed to the long term recovery of the Philippines. We have helped repair classrooms to make
sure children can get back to school and provided support to the communities in the hardest hit areas, but there is
still so much more to do.
Not only are we working with families to build sustainable livelihoods, but we are working with them to prepare and
adapt for future disasters,” says Ms Hayden.
Save the Children has reached nearly 800,000 children and adults with essential life-saving aid, recovery and
rehabilitation support. We have distributed families food and water; provided medicines and primary health services
through our mobile health clinics; repaired classrooms, health facilities and water systems; and provided shelter,
household and hygiene items to keep children safe.
Earlier this year Save the Children NZ funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs started a $1.63 million disaster risk
reduction and preparation programme in Mindinao, Philippines. This prepares communities for future disasters.
ENDS