UNICEF Assist Children Affected by Typhoon Ondoy

UNICEF has provided about Php 6,908,330 million in supplies to address the urgent needs of affected children and their families in the wake of tropical storm Ondoy. Early on, UNICEF supplied food and non-food items,and temporary shelter to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for distribution to flood-stricken communities.
UNICEF expressed great concern over the growing number of children and families affected by typhoon Ondoy (international codename Ketsana) which dumped a month’s worth of rain in 12 hours, flooding 25 per cent of Metro Manila and affecting more than 24 provinces around the country. The death toll has risen to 240 (as of press time), and is expected to still rise as relief and recovery efforts continue.

Data from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) revealed that around 1.8 million people were affected, with 600,000 people being relocated in around 600 evacuation centers. Some families are still trapped on upper levels or roofs of houses awaiting rescue.

“Our hearts go out to the thousands of children and families who have been affected by the storm, whether they are still trapped in their homes or living in evacuation centers. This is a very difficult experience for any child, especially for those who have lost their loved ones,” Vanessa Tobin, UNICEF Representative, said.

UNICEF is in constant coordination with the government and other humanitarian agencies to deliver much-needed goods and services to the displaced.

UNICEF is now appealing internationally for US $ 3.5 million for the children and families affected by the storm. The funds will be used to purchase additional water kits and essential medical kits to ensure safe drinking water and to prevent outbreak of diseases.

UNICEF is accepting cash donations through its Metrobank account: UNICEF C/A 066-7-06631209-3 in response to the victims of tropical storm Ondoy.
Call our hotlines at 758-1000 and 758-1442 to find out more ways to send your donations.

*This is an excerpt from UNICEF Manila's press release. The photos are also from UNICEF Manila.

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About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 150 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality
basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS. UNICEF has been operating in the Philippines for 60 years working for health and education of children and protection of their rights.  UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

For more information please contact:
Marge Francia, UNICEF Philippines,
Tel + 632 9010173 / + 632 917.858.9447,
E-mail: mfrancia@unicef.org

Angela Travis, UNICEF Philippines,
Tel + 632 901 0177 / + 632 917 867 8366,
E-mail: atravis@unicef.org

UNICEF Assist Children Affected by Typhoon Ondoy