Children International: Impoverished Families in Philippines Vulnerable to Typhoons

After Typhoon Haiyan
Nov 20, 2013 9:15 AM ET

Reports out of the Philippines deliver shocking descriptions of Typhoon Haiyan's impact on the island nation. The most recent government estimates indicate that 4 million people have been displaced and 2.5 million desperately need food aid. While some typhoon-affected families are able to remain in their homes, the Philippine government believes that 1.1 million houses were damaged or destroyed by the storm.

Due to the scale of the relief efforts needed in the immediate and long term, the combined efforts of many governmental and humanitarian organizations will be necessary. Children International staff is meeting with the UN and Philippine agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), to coordinate relief efforts. Concurrently the organization is providing building materials to assist typhoon victims in Legazpi with transitional housing after the disaster (see video).