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© UNICEF Philippines/2015/Jeoffrey Maitem - Stranded motorists in the aftermath of typhoon Koppu that hit Palayan city, Nueva Ecija province. The slow moving Typhoon Koppu/Lando has ought torrential rain and strong winds, causing floods, flying deis, power outages, downed communication lines, and damaged roads and idges.

HONG KONG, 20 October 2015—UNICEF is on high alert after Typhoon Koppu (Local name Lando) made landfall in the Philippines on Sunday morning. The slow moving typhoon has ought torrential rain and strong winds, causing floods, landslides, flying deis, power outages, downed communication lines, and damaged roads and idges. UNICEF is ready to move with response and appeals for HK$22 million for replenishment of supplies. Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) calls for public to support the relief for children in unreached areas.

© UNICEF Philippines/2015/Jeoffrey MaitemA mother carries her daughter as they evacuate from the town of Laur, Nueva Ecija, in the aftermath of Typhoon Koppu. UNICEF is concerned about the wellbeing of children in areas affected by the typhoon, which includes mountainous and hard-to-reach areas.

According to 19 October Government reports, 55,554 persons have been evacuated. More than 12,125 families are now staying in 136 evacuation centers; 104,299 people have been displaced. Around 15 incidents of flooding were reported in Pangasinan, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Bulacan. UNICEF estimates at least 36,000 children are affected and in need of immediate assistance. Assessments planned in the coming week will confirm numbers and extent of impact as communication with affected communities are restored later in the week.

In any event of disasters, children are the most vulnerable. UNICEF activated its emergency preparedness measures days before the typhoon struck the archipelago. UNICEF has prepositioned supplies for about 12,000 families which include water purification tablets, hygiene kits, medicines, school supplies, therapeutic food, tents and generators. UNICEF’s emergency experts foresee needs in restoration of safe water supply for flooded areas, health and nutrition specifically support for eastfeeding mothers and new born children, and resumption of children’s education.

Ms Jane Lau, Chief Executive of UNICEF HK calls for public donations, "UNICEF’s first priority is to ensure children are safe and protected. Typhoon Koppu’s slow moving path includes mountainous and hard-to-reach areas; we are concerned about the wellbeing of all affected children. Following a typhoon, they face risks from contaminated water sources, lack of food and epidemics such as cholera, hypothermia, diarrhea and pneumonia. We need your help to save and restore children’s lives.”

UNICEF appeals for HK$22 million for replenishment of supplies. The Philippines typically experiences over 20 typhoons a year. This year is predicted to ing more intense typhoons in the latter part as a result of the El Niño phenomenon. Currently, there is another Typhoon, named Champi, looming on the Philippines.

To help affected children and families, please make online donation at unicef.org.hk/donate

Donation for Typhoon Koppu/Lando in the Philippines

(100 per cent of the donation will be spent in the field. In the unusual event that donations for Typhoon Koppu response exceed the needs, we will direct the gifts to disaster or emergency relief actions elsewhere.)

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