MEDIA ADVISORY - Urgent appeal: Typhoon Haiyan response in the Philippines

TORONTO, Nov. 8, 2013 /CNW/ - UNICEF is urgently appealing for donations to respond to Typhoon Haiyan, the world's most powerful typhoon of the year, which hit the Philippines on 8 November 2013. The Typhoon made landfall at 4:30 am on Guiuan, Samar Island with winds of 235 kilometers per hour and 275 kilometer gusts. This is the 24th tropical cyclone to enter the Philippines this 2013.

The impact of the storm is severe as it hit several island groups within central Philippines. Substantial damage to infrastructure, flooding due to storm surges and at least three deaths are reported.

UNICEF is ready with prepositioned supplies to quickly respond to children's needs in nutrition, water, sanitation & hygiene, education and protection. We have a team ready to be deployed to assess needs of affected children, together with government, UN agencies and NGO partners on the ground.

The Philippines government prepared for days before the typhoon and has mobilized resources to move people in coastal and low lying areas to safety. Thousands of people who had lost their homes in the 7.2 earthquake in Bohol province last month and were living in tents, were evacuated by local officials. We commend the government for preparedness measures they have taken to ensure that residents are safe.

UNICEF's resources are stretched to the limit.  We are responding to three emergencies: the armed conflict in Zamboanga on 9 September, the 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Bohol on 15 October and super typhoon Haiyan on 8 November. UNICEF is calling for support to enable us to respond to the needs of all vulnerable children and families affected in the Philippines.

For further updates and to donate, please visit www.unicef.ca.

About UNICEF

UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in over 190 countries - more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive.

SOURCE: UNICEF Canada

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