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SURVIVORS of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines are having to deal with the impact of a powerful new storm, reports children’s charity Plan International.
Typhoon Rammasun/Glenda made landfall in the Philippines overnight, reaching the capital Manila at 7am local time.
The storm saw heavy rains and winds of up to 170 kilometres per hour sweep across the country.
More than 370,000 people were evacuated from their homes. It is thought at least five people have died.
Thousands of buildings lost power and many domestic and international flights have been cancelled.
In Tacloban, many people who were still living in tents after Typhoon Haiyan destroyed their homes last year, had to be evacuated to the city’s astrodome.
Aid workers from Plan International responded with the immediate provision of dozens of six litre water jugs of clean water.
“Plan is helping internally displaced people from tents in Barangay 88 in Tacloban, many of who have been evacuated to the Tacloban Astrodome,” says Marco Savio, Acting Country Director for Plan in the Philippines.
“We are also continuing to monitor and assess the situation in Northern and Western Samar,” he added.
The Philippines is located in the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, an area of major seismic activity prone to large typhoons, earthquakes and tsunamis.
On average, 20 typhoons hit the Philippines every year. Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the country last year, killed more than 6,000 people and was said to be one of the worst storms on record.
“Plan has worked in the Philippines for more than 50 years and has extensive experience in responding to natural disasters and other crises,” says Mr Savio.
“We have experience deploying teams of technical experts to support the immediate delivery of clean drinking water, food, medical supplies, educational resources and psychosocial support.
“Plan is also recognised for its expertise in protecting emergency-affected children from abuse, exploitation, neglect, and violence,” he says.
Plan International is one of the Philippines' longest-serving aid and development organisations, with a special focus on helping marginalised children.
The organisation works in 420 communities across the country to help children access their rights to health, education, livelihoods, disaster risk management and protection.
For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org
