Typhoon Ketsana: Philippines. Save the Children

Tropical Storm Ketsana (locally known as Tropical Storm Ondoy) devastated Central and Northern parts of Luzon on 26 September 2009. A total of 341 millimeters of heavy rain fell in a 6 hour period (0800-1400). This is the heaviest rainfall in Manila since July 1967. It is clear that the storm has had devastating impact including the loss of homes, properties, livelihoods, and access to basic services such as health and education. At the same time conditions in the evacuation centers or temporary settlements are increasingly precarious. Due to the added rainfall from Typhoon Parma, the situation north of Metro Manila is deteriorating. In the province of Pangasinan - which was already one of the worst-hit areas in the wake of Typhoon Ketsana - officials report that at least 160 people have been killed in flooding and landslides. People remain stranded on rooftops and streets flooded with high floodwaters. The Agno River which runs through Pangasinan has overflowed its banks and flooded neighboring areas. The Angat Dam in Bulacan and San Roque Dam in Pangasinan are at overcapacity and threatening to spill over and compound existing flooding. Officials had to open 5 dams at reduced volumes to release pressure from the accumulated flood water. Relief efforts are hampered by impassable roads. Boats and helicopters are urgently needed. Save the Children is continuing to monitor this situation in the north and is in touch with local partners in the area. Save the Childrenfs Response: Over 7,500 kits of relief items, including clothing, blankets and hygiene supplies, have already been distributed. On Oct 9, 2 child-friendly spaces in evacuation centres in Cupang, Muntinlupa and Bagumbayan, Taguig held morning and afternoon sessions attended by approximately 162 children. Sessions to continue regularly. Food distributions, health and nutrition activities for children, water and sanitary activities and livelihoods programs for families are also planned. Quotes from Children Save the Children spoke to children after they participated in its child friendly activities in an evacuation center in Metro Manila. Children wanted to tell us about their experience during the flood. They candidly shared their thoughts and feelings to us. They told us how they are feeling now and what they need now. gI missed going to school and seeing my classmates. I went back to school today, but Ifm sad because our school hours have gone down from six hours to four.h gMany of my classmates did not go to school. There is only 30 in our class now. There used to be around 50 in our class. I wonder where they are.h gI canft go to school. I lost all my books and notebooks. I donft have a uniform to wear. My teacher is asking me to pay or replace the books that were destroyed by the flood. We donft have money to pay for that, thatfs why I canft go back to school.h gIfm happy to be part of the activities that Save the Children conducts in our evacuation center. I continue to learn. I am able to play with other children too. I look forward to having some games and sports.hAs part of our response, Save the Children will prioritise childrenfs need for psychosocial support. Safe space areas will allow children to regain a sense of normalcy, to play, socialize, learn, and express themselves as they rebuild their lives. Through safe spaces, Save the Children is able to protect children from physical harm and psychosocial distress and to help them continue learning and developing both during and immediately after an emergency.