Dariel, 13, stands by the river near his grandmother's house in Cagayan de Oro. During Tropical Storm Washi, he had to climb onto the roof of his grandmother's house to survive. The family received a hygiene kit from UNICEF containing bucket, soap and other toiletries which helped them to stay healthy in the weeks after the flooding.
© UNICEF UK/Philippines/2012/Maitem
Dariel's grandmother, Isabel, 63 has noticed changes in the weather during her life-time. The heat nowadays is much stronger and hotter than it used to be. She says, "Before I would use an umbrella sometimes when I was younger. Now you can’t leave [the house] without an umbrella any more. You have no choice not to use an umbrella."
© UNICEF UK/Philippines/2012/Maitem
Flood survivor Leziel Enlawan, 30, with her daughters Geziel, 9, and Kareel, 7, pictured outside the new house they moved into after Tropical Storm Washi. Compared to the temporary tent they were living in, the two girls are really enjoying their new house. Geziel, 9, says, "I like it, because it’s not near the river. I play in the street outside. I already have new friends here." says Kareel, "It is nicely built, it is strong."
© UNICEF UK/Philippines/2012/Maitem
Philip, 15 (left) and youth facilitator Habib, 24 from "Kids for Peace" which is supported by UNICEF. Philip has attended psychosocial sessions run by “Kids for Peace”, which use play, music, and drama to help children deal with their experiences of Tropical storm Washi, as well as preparing them for future disasters. Habib explains, "We talked about how they as an individual, the family and the community will prepare if another disaster strikes again...They now know what to do."
© UNICEF UK/Philippines/2012/Maitem
Philip, 15, shares his experiences during Tropical Storm Washi; "Our house was totally washed out. We were very shocked." Philip's sessions with "Kids for Peace" has helped him deal with the trauma of Washi, as well as offering practical advice for future disasters he may face. He says he learnt about, "Being ready all the time and keeping updated with the news, especially the TV at home. I learnt how to save people and what things we should bring in times of disasters."
© UNICEF UK/Philippines/2012/Maitem
Kristine, 8, pictured with her Mother Trinidad and her baby brother Benjo inside the evacuation centre in Cagayan de Oro. Kristine's mother gave birth to Benjo three days before the flooding hit. Trinidad describes their experience, "We had to jump from one house to another – the rooftops were swept away. We placed baby Benjo in a drinks cooler box, and then we swam." However, she is looking to the future: "I want the children to be able to finish their education and I want to be able to get by and survive."
© UNICEF UK/Philippines/2012/Maitem
Children from Barangay Banaba in Manila perform a dance about the environment. Their community in Manila has prepared themselves for future floods with support from UNICEF. They have mapped out the various risks in their area including landslips, and floods. They have put in place training on what to do if a disaster strikes, including introducing an early warning system so that news about a potential disaster will be passed between the community.
© UNICEF UK/Philippines/2012/ Kat Palasi
MP Tony Cunningham, Shadow Minister for International Development, visited the Philippines earlier this year to see UNICEF's work on Disaster Risk Reduction. He listens to Ka Noli in San Mateo (near Manila) explain how the community prepares for disasters. They keep this boat with safety equipment on standby in case of flooding. A member of the community goes down to this bridge every day to check the water level. Children are playing a key part in the preparations.
© UNICEF UK/Philippines/2012/ Kat Palasi
