Response Efforts Underway for Victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan

KANSAS CITY, Mo., November 11, 2013 /3BL Media/ - By the time Typhoon Haiyan began its deadly assault across the Philippine Islands, disaster-response teams from Children International had spent days preparing for the monster storm.

The raging typhoon caused extensive damage and loss of life, and the organization’s staff in the central Philippines are assisting children and families with immediate and long-term recovery needs.

“Children International’s local knowledge and long history in the Philippines enable us to provide swift and effective assistance in the recovery process,” explains the organization’s president, Jim Cook.

Children International’s daily operations –  providing services to nearly 68,000 children and their families in the Philippines – are centered around four major hubs located in Manila, Quezon City, Legazpi and Tabaco. Of those, the hardest hit was Legazpi. The organization’s field director in Legazpi, Gemma Goliat, has reported that families living in vulnerable locations along the coast were relocated to evacuation centers before the storm. Although no deaths or serious injuries were sustained by children and families served by the organization, many houses were destroyed as the storm wreaked devastation on the coastal town. Country Director Pio Salvador confirms that Children International will continue its long-standing interactive partnership with local government, including Albay Province, during recovery.

With relief efforts underway, the ravaged country is again preparing for another storm as Zoraida appears to be taking the same path Super Typhoon Haiyan cut through the country last week.

“Children International is on the ground and providing critical assistance. As the world has seen, there is so much to be done for the families whose lives were severely impacted by this devastating storm,” explains Mr. Cook.  

Children International’s Award-Winning Crisis Response History in the Philippines

Over the years, Children International has implemented various disaster-recovery efforts in the typhoon-prone country, running the spectrum from disaster-preparedness training and drills to providing permanent housing for families who were forced to resettle after their houses were buried under mudslides.

Last year, Children International Philippines of the Bicol region received the Best Civil Society Organization on Humanitarian Assistance by the Republic of the Philippines National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. As a result of receiving the award for three consecutive years, Children International also received the Hall of Fame Award in recognition of its work in disaster relief. In addition, Agency Director Pio Salvador received special recognition for his “invaluable contribution in the field of disaster risk reduction and management.”

About Children International

Children International prepares children and youth to escape the traps of poverty by supporting their critical needs, building resilience, and engaging them in transformative activities. Children International accomplishes this by providing crucial benefits and compassionate care through easily accessible, modern community centers. Children International’s presence, programs and supporters have a positive impact on children, youth, families and communities; provide protection; encourage self-sufficiency; and serve as catalysts for change.

 For more information about Children International, visit www.children.org.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Christy Howard

Public Relations

Children International

Direct:  (816) 943-3730

Email:  choward@children.org