UNICEF worries for affected children and families as typhoons hit in PH

Less than two weeks after Super Typhoon Rolly brought destructive wind and rain to the Philippines, Typhoon Ulysses left many residents trapped in floodwaters or taking refuge in evacuation centers. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) expressed their concern for children and families who continue to bear the brunt of natural disasters in one of the most emergency prone countries in the world.

The nation has been hit by many weather disturbances such as Super Typhoon Rolly, Severe Tropical Storm Siony, Tropical Storm Tonyo, and Typhoon Ulysses. As a result, communities at risk of COVID-19 are more vulnerable and many Filipinos’ lives and livelihoods are facing significant damage.

Image source: unicef.org

In order to aid those affected by the typhoons, UNICEF launched its Super Typhoon Rolly appeal amounting to USD 3.7 million on November 11. This is intended to support communities and partners to have access to water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), nutrition, education, health, and protection services. Initial supplies such as hygiene kits, teachers and learners kits, tents, and child-friendly space kits are making their way to the most vulnerable communities.

“UNICEF and its partners are responding to an emergency within another emergency. Children and their families are growing more and more vulnerable as they experience the threat of COVID-19 coupled with strong typhoons and other disasters. We are concerned for the many children who are experiencing recurring threats to their survival, development, protection, and participation,” UNICEF Philippines Representative, Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov said.

Image source: unicef.org

While UNICEF is currently responding to typhoon affected communities using prepositioned supplies, these resources run the risk of being depleted if no additional resources are secured given the magnitude of these consecutive emergencies, and the anticipated additional weather disturbances before the year ends.

As the effects of Typhoon Ulysses become clear, UNICEF is concerned that the already vulnerable children in the Philippines will become even more disadvantaged. Children who are already fearful of COVID-19 and strong winds from past typhoons would have to relive their experience with each typhoon that comes their way. Children who were already stunted can become severely malnourished from lack of food and contaminated water sources. Children in crowded evacuation centers may contract diseases and risk experiencing gender-based violence. Learners whose learning modules were swept away by flood waters would have to stop their schooling once again.

To support UNICEF’S ongoing assistance to Filipino children in need as well as their families, donate at https://donate.unicef.ph today. Help those who have been heavily affected by the recent disasters and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

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