Super Typhoon Mangkhut hits The Philippines

Super Typhoon Mangkhut Batters The Philippines

Forbes,

14 Sptember, 2018

 An estimated 5 million people — nearly half of them children — are facing threats of strong winds, heavy rains, flooding and landslides as Super Typhoon Mangkhut — known as Ompong in the Philippines — descends on Luzon, the largest and most populous island in the Philippines. UNICEF is closely monitoring the massive storm's progress. 

Super Typhoon Mangkut looms over the northern Pacific on September 12, 2018. ©NOAA

5 million people — nearly half of them children — are in the storm's path

Residents in high-risk and low-lying areas have been urged to evacuate. With maximum sustained winds of 165 mph, Mangkhut/Ompong is being called a "textbook super typhoon." The storm is expected to produce life-threatening storm surges up to 19 feet along the coastline. 

Boys fix the roof of their house in Ilocos Norte Province, northern Luzon on September 14, 2018. © UNICEF/UN0235923/MAITEM

Thousands have already been evacuated

Schools and government buildings have been turned into shelters to house the thousands of evacuees fleeing the storm. Mangkhut/Ompong also poses a major risk to property, destroying or damaging houses, schools, health centers, roads, bridges, crops and farmland. 

Children wait to get food at the school turned evacuation center in Ilocos Norte Province, Luzon on September 14, 2018.© UNICEF/UN0235926/MAITEM

A collision course with Luzon, the Philippines' most populous island

Children are the most vulnerable in any emergency situation

"Children are the most vulnerable in an emergency situation," said UNICEF Representative Lotta Sylwander. "UNICEF stands ready to provide support and assistance to the Philippine Government and to local government units in the affected areas to respond to this brewing storm. We also call on parents and local communities to heed the government's call to evacuate to safe spaces, to ensure populations — especially children, pregnant mothers and vulnerable families — are safe from possible damage brought about by Ompong." 

Fleeing Super Typhoon Mangkut, 22-yaer-old Rogeline kisses her 1-month-old daughter, Kristan, at a school turned evacuation center in Luzon's Ilocos Norte Province on September 14, 2018. © UNICEF/UN0235931/MAITEM

Across the globe, when emergencies strike, UNICEF is always committed to helping children and families survive and stay safe and healthy. Last year alone, UNICEF responded to 337 humanitarian emergencies — from conflicts to natural disasters — in 102 countries. Working with local partners, UNICEF steps up where help is needed most, delivering urgently needed supplies like safe drinking water, hygiene sanitation kits and medicines. Trained staff offer psychosocial support and educational materials to get children back to learning and playing as soon as possible.