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Manila (15 October) – Global child rights and humanitarian organisation Plan International is closely monitoring Typhoon Sarika (locally named Karen) as it nears the Philippines and expected to make landfall on Sunday.
Dennis O’Brien, Plan International Philippines Country Director said: “We are closely monitoring the path of the typhoon as it intensifies and approaches the Philippines. Our emergency response teams are on standby and have pre-positioned emergency supplies that can be distributed to affected communities, if needed.”
Typhoon Sarika is expected to make landfall on Sunday morning over the Quezon-Aurora area, packing wind speed of 130 km/h. Storm warning signals had been raised in most provinces in north Philippines and the Government has started to evacuate families in targeted areas.
Heavy rains over the weekend are likely to trigger flash floods and landslides.
“Children and girls are the most vulnerable in times of disasters and their safety and well-being is one of our most urgent concerns. We have pre-positioned life-saving items, such as hygiene kits, water purification supplies and shelter material, to ensure that emergency support is provided to children, and those most affected, as quickly as possible,” said O’Brien.
Plan International is coordinating with government agencies and in-country humanitarian organisations and is working closely with local partners who are operational in areas likely to be impacted by the Typhoon.
“We are in close communication with respective agencies and will coordinate efforts to ensure relief assistance is provided to those who need it most,” said O’Brien.
Plan International Philippines works in over 400 villages within 30 municipalities in the provinces of Masbate, Occidental Mindoro, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Western Samar, and Southern Leyte.
Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, experiencing an average of 20 typhoons per year. The country is expecting for 14 more typhoons to enter Philippines Area of Responsibility this year.
ENDS
Country Director, Dennis O’Brien, is available for interviews by phone or skype. Further details and interview requests:
- Manila : Maryann Zamora, Communications Officer Email: mai.zamora@plan-international.org | Mobile +639478916511
- Bangkok: Jessica Lomelin, Acting Regional Communications Manager
Email : jessica.lomelin@plan-international.org | Mobile: +66 (0)96-865-7649 - London: Kirsty Cameron, Global Press Officer
Email: Kirsty.cameron@plan-international.org | Mobile: +44 (0) 7885 807503
