Save the Children, which has a presence in the affected area, and its partners on the ground are preparing to distribute household kits, which include blankets, flashlights and jerry cans for water, as well as hygiene kits, and other essential items to children and families in the coming days.
MANILA, 10 June - About 30,000 people, including children, have been displaced in the southern Philippines following one of the strongest earthquakes to hit the country in half a century. The quake, which has killed at least 37 people* and caused extensive damage, including to homes and schools, has also left children and families in need of safe, temporary shelter.
About 1,400 classrooms have also been 'totally' damaged in the affected region, according to the country's Department of Education. [1]
Faisah Ali, Humanitarian Manager, Save the Children Philippines, said:
"The shock is far from over for children in the southern Philippines. Many are living in temporary shelters and evacuation centres cannot accommodate everyone. Our teams have seen first-hand families that have been forced to sleep outside, exposed to the elements. This can be very unsafe for children, raising serious concerns about their safety and protection from violence, abuse, and exploitation. The needs now are high, but one focus must be to ensure that all children have access to safe temporary shelters."
Save the Children, which has a presence in the affected area, and its partners on the ground are preparing to distribute household kits, which include blankets, flashlights and jerry cans for water, as well as hygiene kits, and other essential items to children and families in the coming days.
Save the Children has been working in the Philippines since 1981 with programmes in humanitarian response, health and nutrition, education, and children's rights and protection.
*Numbers are likely to change.
References:
[1] https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1628571662612096&set=a.497316532404287
For media queries
Amy Sawitta Lefevre, Global Media Manager: Asia
Amy.Lefevre@savethechildren.org
