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EmailPlan steps up operations as
typhoon impact becomes clearer
An elderly woman examines her destroyed house after Typhoon Durian hit Batangas city, south of Manila, December 1, 2006.
Photo: Reuters/Romeo Ranoco, courtesy of www.alertnet.org
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December 6, 2006
In the wake of the “worst typhoon” in memory
Damage to infrastructure is estimated to be US $175million, while agricultural losses stand at US $125million. National newspapers are now describing Durian as the "worst typhoon" in history.
Schools destroyed, 700,000 students affected
Initial assessments show that at least 2,300 schools were damaged, and some totally destroyed, seriously disrupting the education of more than 700,000 students. The cost of a two-classroom building in the Philippines typically costs around US $10,000 (500,000 Philippine pesos); many of the damaged schools may be much bigger. In addition, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) this morning reported that:
Our main focus for the next 12 months will be on supporting the long-term needs of children, especially in education, early childhood care and development (ECCD) and counseling. At present there are no reports of separated children, and it is unknown how many children have lost one or both parents: Plan will monitor this situation closely and act as necessary to ensure children are properly protected; UNICEF has deployed assessment teams who are due to report on December 7.
Health: Plan is providing food and non-food items such as medicines, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, mats and clothing. We will also cover the rehabilitation and construction of selected health centers. Health facilities are reportedly overwhelmed, having few health personnel and medical supplies available to keep pace with the demands.
Learning: There is an urgent need for both emergency and longer-term support in education and ECCD: in Albay province, where damage is most severe, at least 23,000 day-care children, 134,000 elementary schoolchildren and 25,000 high-school children are affected. At least 100 schoolchildren and 20 teachers in Albay are reported dead. Plan staff are working with local authorities, community groups and other NGOs to gather data. Temporary schools and learning centers are urgently needed: looking ahead Plan will help with the construction and rehabilitation of damaged school buildings and day-care centers.
Trauma: There will be high levels of psychosocial trauma as a result of the disaster. Plan will provide psycho-social support and shock healing.
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Schools destroyed, 700,000 students affected
Initial assessments show that at least 2,300 schools were damaged, and some totally destroyed, seriously disrupting the education of more than 700,000 students. The cost of a two-classroom building in the Philippines typically costs around US $10,000 (500,000 Philippine pesos); many of the damaged schools may be much bigger. In addition, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) this morning reported that:
- 543 people are confirmed dead, 1,861 people are injured and 740 people are missing.
- 79,126 houses have been totally destroyed and 167,045 partially destroyed.
- 358,480 families (1,649,743 people) in 1,765 villages in 13 provinces have been affected by Typhoon Durian.
- 17,260 families (84,457 people) are currently staying in 293 evacuation centers.
Our main focus for the next 12 months will be on supporting the long-term needs of children, especially in education, early childhood care and development (ECCD) and counseling. At present there are no reports of separated children, and it is unknown how many children have lost one or both parents: Plan will monitor this situation closely and act as necessary to ensure children are properly protected; UNICEF has deployed assessment teams who are due to report on December 7.
Health: Plan is providing food and non-food items such as medicines, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, mats and clothing. We will also cover the rehabilitation and construction of selected health centers. Health facilities are reportedly overwhelmed, having few health personnel and medical supplies available to keep pace with the demands.
Learning: There is an urgent need for both emergency and longer-term support in education and ECCD: in Albay province, where damage is most severe, at least 23,000 day-care children, 134,000 elementary schoolchildren and 25,000 high-school children are affected. At least 100 schoolchildren and 20 teachers in Albay are reported dead. Plan staff are working with local authorities, community groups and other NGOs to gather data. Temporary schools and learning centers are urgently needed: looking ahead Plan will help with the construction and rehabilitation of damaged school buildings and day-care centers.
Trauma: There will be high levels of psychosocial trauma as a result of the disaster. Plan will provide psycho-social support and shock healing.
Back to top
