UNICEF concerned for children in the Philippines as Typhoon Rai/Odette strikes

16 December 2021 – Typhoon Odette (international name Rai) is expected to make landfall today in Surigao Provinces or the southern portion of Eastern Visasyas. Almost 16 million Filipinos are facing threats including strong winds, heavy rains, flooding, landslides, displacement and risk loss to life, home, livelihood and agriculture. Around 700,000 of them are vulnerable children.

Typhoon Odette/Rai’s projected path is similar to the destructive Typhoon  Sendong/Washi that struck Mindanao ten years ago to this day, and Typhoon Pablo/Bopha in December 2012. UNICEF undertook a massive humanitarian response for Typhoons Sendong and Pablo to help children and their families recover.

UNICEF expresses deep concern for children and families at risk and re-affirms its commitment and readiness to provide support to the Philippine Government to reach vulnerable populations. UNICEF is working in possible affected areas of Samar, Northern Samar, Zamboanga del Norte, and Catanduanes with health, nutrition, WASH, child protection and education interventions.

Children suffer the most during emergencies. While the threat of COVID-19 still looms, the typhoon puts children at risk of another setback that may further upend their lives. UNICEF remains ready upon the request of the Philippine Government and has prepositioned emergency supplies for about 25,000 people to respond to their needs for safe drinking water, sanitation, hygiene, nutrition, education and child protection.

UNICEF is also ready to distribute supplies on short notice and activate partners for more emergency supplies for immediate distribution.

ENDS 

Notes to editors:

For more information, please contact:

Alexandra Murdoch, 0207 375 6179, [email protected]

Unicef UK Media Team, 0207 375 6030, [email protected]

 About UNICEF

UNICEF works in some of the world’s toughest places, to reach the world’s most disadvantaged children. Across more than 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, to build a better world for everyone.

The UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) raises funds for UNICEF’s emergency and development work for children. We also promote and protect children’s rights in the UK and internationally. We are a UK charity, entirely funded by supporters.

United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK), Registered Charity No. 1072612 (England & Wales), SC043677 (Scotland).

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