Six Months After Typhoon Haiyan - Children International’s Disaster Response
Children International Is Dedicated to Meeting the Needs of Typhoon Haiyan Victims
Kansas City, MO, May 7, 2014 /3BL Media/ - Typhoon Haiyan caused widespread devastation in early November 2013. It is the deadliest typhoon on record in the Philippines, killing more than 6,000 people and injuring more than 28,000 others. Haiyan damaged buildings and roads, caused power and water outages, and left many people homeless. Children International was able to act quickly in response to the disaster because of their professional staff of 200 in the Philippines and an established network of dedicated volunteers and partner organizations.
In the immediate aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, many families struggled to provide basic necessities for themselves. Children International assisted families through their Lifeline Food program. The program addresses short-term food needs of children and their families when they have been affected by extreme circumstances such as a natural disaster. Through the program, Children International helped families purchase food while they focused on recovering from the storm. Additionally, Children International’s collaboration with Planet Water Foundation to build three AquaTowers in heavily affected areas has provided clean, drinkable water, which can be hard to find after a large-scale natural disaster like Typhoon Haiyan.
Because many people lost everything, including their homes, Children International also assisted families by providing housing materials so that rebuilding could take place. These materials included lumber, metal sheets and other construction materials.
In addition to the homes that were destroyed, public buildings were rendered out of service as well. More than 7,000 schools were closed, destroyed or damaged because of Typhoon Haiyan, prompting Children International to distribute books and establish Child Friendly Spaces in some of the most heavily affected areas. Child Friendly Spaces gives children a protected environment where they can participate in organized activities that let them play, socialize, learn and express themselves while rebuilding takes place. Ten thousand children are expected to benefit from Children International’s Child Friendly Spaces initiative.
Children International’s partners have also helped greatly in providing relief to those affected by Typhoon Haiyan.
- Children International has distributed over 7,000 new pairs of TOMS Shoes to children and youth in heavily affected areas. Shoes are especially important after a disaster like Haiyan in order to provide protection from debris and soil-borne parasites.
- Children International has also distributed over 100 wheelchairs with help from partner Free Wheelchair Mission so that people can maintain their mobility.
- Hygiene kits from Clean the World have been distributed as well to help families stay healthy and clean.
Other donated relief goods that Children International has distributed include medical supplies, toiletry items and clothing.
“We are pleased that we have been able to offer short- and long-term assistance to those who have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan,” said Jack McCanna, Vice President of Program Services. “Post-Haiyan, we are analyzing how we can strengthen our future disaster-relief efforts and grow our partnerships to have an even greater impact.”
See our Typhoon Haiyan disaster-relief efforts in photos.
Learn more about how Children International’s emergency response and disaster relief work in the video “Providing relief to those affected by damaging storms.”
You can help by donating to provide relief to those affected by Typhoon Haiyan. Donate Now.
Children International’s Award-Winning Crisis Response History in the Philippines
Over the years, Children International has implemented various disaster-recovery efforts in the typhoon-prone country, running the spectrum from disaster-preparedness training and drills to providing permanent housing for families who were forced to resettle after their houses were buried under mudslides.
In 2012, Children International Philippines of the Bicol region received the Best Civil Society Organization on Humanitarian Assistance Award by the Republic of the Philippines National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. As a result of receiving the award for three consecutive years, Children International also received the Hall of Fame Award in recognition of its work in disaster relief. In addition, Country Director Pio Salvador received special recognition for his “invaluable contribution in the field of disaster risk reduction and management.”
About Children International
Children International prepares children and youth to escape the traps of poverty by supporting their critical needs, building resilience, and engaging them in transformative activities. Children International accomplishes this by providing crucial benefits and compassionate care through easily accessible, modern community centers. Children International’s presence, programs and supporters have a positive impact on children, youth, families and communities; provide protection; encourage self-sufficiency; and serve as catalysts for change.
For more information about Children International, visit www.children.org.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christy Howard
Public Relations
Children International
Direct: (816) 943-3730
Email: choward@children.org
Brittany Gelbach
Public Relations
Children International
Direct: (816) 943-3832
Email: bgelbach@children.org
