UNICEF HK allocated HK$1 million to help affected children as number of children affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan rises to 4 million | Latest News | News | Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF

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UNICEF HK allocated HK$1 million to help affected children as number of children affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan rises to 4 million

2013-11-11

MANILA/ NEW YORK/ COPENHAGEN/ HONG KONG, 11 November 2013 —UNICEF is rushing emergency supplies to areas of the Philippines ravaged by Super Typhoon Haiyan on 8 November, as the latest estimates indicate that up to 4 million children could now be affected by the disaster. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) allocates HK$1 million from its emergency fund and calls for Hong Kong people to donate and support the relief work.

Therapeutic food for children, health kits, water and hygiene kits to support up to 3,000 families in the affected areas have already been mobilised from supplies available in the country, with distribution prioritised for the Tacloban area as soon as access is possible.

"We are rushing to get critical supplies to children who are bearing the unt of this crisis,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Tomoo Hozumi. “Reaching the worst affected areas is very difficult, with limited access due to the damage caused by the typhoon to infrastructure and communications. But we are working around the clock to find ways to get these supplies to children as quickly as conditions allow."

UNICEF’s warehouse in Copenhagen is airlifting HK$10.1 million (US$1.3 million) worth of additional supplies for another 10,000 families, including those affected by the recent earthquake in Bohol. The shipments contain water purification tablets, soap, medical kits, tarpaulins, and micronutrient supplements.

Children who have escaped the terrible violence of Haiyan still need urgent assistance to survive the aftermath of the storm. Particular concerns include health, due to the impact of the typhoon on water supply and sanitation systems. Children also need safe and protected spaces to be able to play and resume studying while adults work to recover their homes and livelihoods.

"As we get a better picture of the impact of this devastating crisis, it is clear that even more children are affected than first thought," said Mr Hozumi. "UNICEF is doing all it can to reach these children, as quickly as possible with critical supplies, to protect their health, safety and wellbeing in the difficult days ahead."

UNICEF HK immediately allocates HK$1 million from its emergency fund to support the relief work. Ms Irene Chan, Chief Executive of UNICEF HK, said, “An earthquake just swept through the Philippines last month --and now, a super typhoon came. Children are particularly vulnerable during disasters and we are extremely concerned about their physical and psychological needs. We urgently need help from Hong Kong people to support UNICEF to aid those who are severely affected. Your support can help make a difference for them.”

Donation for Philippines typhoon:

Online donation:	www.unicef.org.hk/donate
Direct Bank-in:	HSBC: 567-354014-004 Bank of China: 12-875-1-0810855 Wing Lung Bank: 020-601-003-7635-2 Bank of East Asia: 015-260-81-01210-0
Cheque:	Payable to ‘Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF’ (Please send us the cheque with filled donation form with remark ‘Philippines typhoon’ at the back, and send to ‘Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF, 3/F, 60 Blue Pool Road, Happy Valley, Hong Kong.’)
PPS:	Please use your contact number as the bill number. Press UNICEF merchant code: 6012, and then select bill type 3 “emergency”.
Hotline:	2833 6139

(In the unusual event that donations for Philippines typhoon exceed the needs, we will direct your gift to disaster or emergency relief actions elsewhere.)

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