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Philippines: Plan International on standby, ready to respond as Typhoon Nock-ten makes landfall on Christmas Day

by Plan International | @PlanAsia | Plan International
Sunday, 25 December 2016 12:01 GMT

* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (25 DECEMBER) – Child rights and humanitarian organisation Plan International stands ready to assist the emergency response as Typhoon Nock-ten (local name: Nina) makes landfall on Christmas Day in the island of Luzon, in northern Philippines.

According to state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration in its latest advisory, Typhoon Nock-ten has maximum sustained winds of up to 185 kph and gusts of up to 255 kph.

The typhoon crosses highly-populated provinces and may trigger landslides, flash floods, and storm surges from strong winds and heavy rains.

“We are monitoring the typhoon and are coordinating with government agencies, in-country humanitarian organizations, and local partners who are operational in areas likely to be affected by the typhoon,” Plan International Deputy Country Director Patrick Kirwan says.

Plan International has teams on standby and have pre-positioned life-saving kits that can be distributed to affected communities, if required.

“We have urged our partner communities including sponsored families and children to take necessary measures to secure their safety in the event of a disaster,” he adds.  

Mr. Kirwan adds that this typhoon comes at an unfortunate time when Filipinos are celebrating the festive season: “instead of spending the day with their families and loved ones, communities are having to evacuate from their homes and seek safety and shelter.”

ENDS

Plan International staff in the Philippines are available for interviews. To arrange, contact:

In Asia (Regional office):
Jessica Lomelin, Acting Regional Communications Manager
Email: jessica.lomelin@plan-international.org  
Mobile: +95 9454920754 

In Manila:
Maryann Zamora, Communications Officer
Email: mai.zamora@plan-international.org
Mobile: +639478916511

Plan International Headquarters (London):
Kirsty Cameron, Global Press Officer
Email: Kirsty.Cameron@plan-international.org  
Mobile: + 44 (0) 7885807503

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Plan International has been working in the Philippines since 1961 and has played important roles in responding to previous disasters, including Typhoon Haiyan.

In the Philippines, Plan International works in over 400 villages, supporting 38,000 sponsored children in the provinces of Masbate, Occidental Mindoro, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, Southern Leyte and Central Mindanao.

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