Save the Children Warns of COVID-19 Risk as Thousands Flee Typhoon in Philippines

Strategic Insights -

As hundreds of thousands of children huddle in evacuation centers following the most powerful typhoon in the Philippines for seven years, Save the Children is sounding the alarm on the potential spread of COVID-19. Typhoon Goni, which made landfall on Sunday, brought catastrophic winds, storm surges, and widespread floods, leaving the extent of the damage in coastal areas unknown but feared to be severe. The organization is calling on local authorities to put in place proper health protocols to protect those sheltering in evacuation centers, including hygiene essentials, nutritious food, and clean water.

Key Takeaways:

  • Save the Children fears the spread of COVID-19 among thousands of children huddled in evacuation centers.
  • Typhoon Goni, the most powerful storm in the Philippines in seven years, made landfall on Sunday, bringing catastrophic winds, storm surges, and widespread floods.
  • The organization is calling on local authorities to put in place proper health protocols, including hygiene essentials, nutritious food, and clean water, to protect those sheltering in evacuation centers.
  • Save the Children is particularly concerned for the 1.5 million families living in dangerous conditions along railroad tracks, garbage dumps, and riverbanks in Manila, which is home to 13 million people.
  • The organization has expressed fears for the humanitarian impact of the storm, citing the high risk of life-threatening diseases, including COVID-19.

Statistics:

  • Over 300,000 children are huddled in evacuation centers.
  • 9 million people are at risk in the city of Manila.
  • 1.5 million families are living in dangerous conditions along railroad tracks, garbage dumps, and riverbanks in Manila.
  • Typhoon Goni is the most powerful storm to hit the Philippines in seven years.

Sources:

  • Save the Children News Release, Nov. 3 (exact quote: "We call on the local government to urgently put in place proper health protocols to protect people sheltering in evacuation centers from life-threatening diseases including COVID-19.")
  • Save the Children News Release, Nov. 3 (exact quote: "The nation's capital Manila, home to 13 million people, is bracing for the storm's impact today.")