Typhoons Kristine (international name: Trami) and Leon (Kong-rey), which hit back-to-back, caused widespread damage in the Philippines, leaving thousands of families and children without access to safe water and sanitation and disrupting lessons for 20 million students. In a statement released today, UNICEF Philippines representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov says: “We cannot emphasize enough the importance of life-saving supplies during and after an emergency. We are working with our partners to provide water, sanitation and hygiene supplies to affected families and children, to ensure they have access to crucial measures against the spread of diseases.”
Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon, the 11th and 12th tropical cyclones to hit the country this year, devastated 13 regions and 29 provinces, affecting at least 4.2 million people – about 1, 3 million children – and displacing more than 300,000 people. Even before the emergency, coverage and access to basic water and sanitation services were low in the affected areas. The impact of strong typhoons has worsened the situation for communities, where cases of open defecation have been reported. Since 31 October, UNICEF and partners have delivered 2,950 hygiene kits and water kits to 2,950 families, out of 3,300 expected, in the most affected areas of the provinces of Camarines Sur and Albay, in the Bicol region. In collaboration with Action Against Hunger and Plan International Pilipinas, another 350 hygiene and water kits will be delivered to 350 families in the next few days. In collaboration with the School Divisions of the Department of Education in Camarines Sur and Albay, UNICEF will also distribute educational materials to 14,594 students and 765 teachers in 25 schools and five Community Development Centers. In this regard, UNICEF strongly calls for schools to remain dedicated to education and not be used as evacuation centers, so that children continue to have a stable learning environment.”
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