* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Bangkok – As one of the strongest storms on record approaches the coastline of China, development and humanitarian organisation Plan International is preparing to assist the emergency response if international assistance is requested.
Typhoon Meranti has strengthened to Super Typhoon status and is currently one of the strongest storms on record, approaching the strength of Typhoon Haiyan which devastated the Philippines in 2013. At the time, Haiyan was the largest storm on record.
Liu Lingling, Disaster Risk Management Officer for Plan International China said:
“If assistance is requested, Plan International stands ready to assist and respond with our experienced emergency response teams in China, and our global emergency roster of technical specialists.”
“Our most urgent concern is ensuring that children in affected areas are safe and that core protection mechanisms are in place to help children get the emergency support they need in the event of a severe impact.”
“Children and girls are the most vulnerable victims of disasters and emergencies, and Plan International is ready to work with local authorities and governments to get aid and assistance delivered to those who need it the most.”
Plan International has extensive programming in China, with a focus on advancing children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International China has assisted with recent emergency responses including flooding in Hunan Province and the 2014 Yunnan Earthquake, and has also played a prominent role in responding to disasters in Asia and across the globe, including Typhoon Haiyan and the 2015 Nepal Earthquakes.
China has been battered with severe weather in 2016, causing widespread damage in coastal areas as a result of flooding and landslides.
As communities brace for the impact of Super Typhoon Meranti, Plan International is in close contact with government and community partners and humanitarian coordinating bodies. In the event assistance is requested, Plan International teams are prepared to deploy to affected areas immediately to begin community assessments and plan the distribution of emergency aid.
ENDS
Plan International staff in China are available for interviews. To arrange an interview, please contact:
In Bangkok, Thailand (Regional office): Mike Bruce, Regional Communications Manager Email: Mike.Bruce@plan-international.org Mobile: +6681 821 9770
In Xi’an, China
Tian Bo, Communications manager
Email: Bo.Tian@plan-international.org
Mobile: +86 13720539989
Plan International Headquarters (London):
Kirsty Cameron, Global Press Official
Email: Kirsty.Cameron@plan-international.org
Mobile: + 44 (0) 7885807503
About Plan International:
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.
We believe in the power and potential of every child. But this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it’s girls who are most affected.
Working together with children, young people, our supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges facing girls and all vulnerable children.
Plan International is one of the primary emergency response NGOs in Asia. This includes playing leading roles in the 2015 Nepal Earthquakes and Typhoon Haiyan in The Philippines.
Plan International has been working in China since 1995 helping children to access their rights to health, education, livelihoods and protection. Plan International China has worked alongside government partners in emergency responses including flooding this year in Hunan Province and the 2014 Yunnan Earthquake.
