PHILIPPINES: School Suspended After Powerful Storm Wreaks Havoc with Warnings Over Disease – Save the Children

MANILA, (July 25, 2024) - Classes across the Philippines were suspended on Thursday[1] following a powerful typhoon that swept across the country and has made its way to Taiwan, Save the Children said.

Footage shared by news outlets[2] and on social media showed people in Manila's capital wading chest-deep in water while rescue teams used boats to carry people to safety. Some took with them whatever precious possessions they could, including family pets.

At least 45 schools in the Philippines, located across 40% of the country*, sustained damage from the storm. The country's Department of Education said schools in several regions, including Manila, would close on Thursday following the destruction.

The Philippines is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, higher temperatures, and increased frequency of typhoons and extreme weather events have led to floods, landslides and land erosion that pollute water resources, damage infrastructure, destroy crops, and lead to loss of lives and livelihoods. In 2022, the World Risk Index ranked the Philippines as the country with the highest disaster risk.[3]

Schools across the Philippines have already faced closures this year because of extreme heat, rain, and floods. In a study released last month, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said that 53 out of 180 teaching days, or more than one month of school, were lost last year due to "extreme heat and calamities".[4]

Carla, 15, a member of Save the Children Philippines' National Children's Advisory Team, said she's worried about flooding at her family home.

"There are holes in our roof, and the leak in my room is severe. My school card got wet, making it difficult for me to apply for a scholarship. I'm also scared that our house might collapse soon." 

At least 13 people were killed in the Philippines following the strong winds and heavy rains brought on by Typhoon Carina, also known as Gaemi, which also led to deadly landslides. In Taiwan, more than 220 people have been injured, and thousands of households have been left without power.[5]

Faisah Ali, Humanitarian Manager for Save the Children Philippines, said:

"In times of crisis, such as Typhoon Carina, our priority must be to reach the most vulnerable children. Responding swiftly and effectively to their needs is not just an act of compassion; it is our fundamental responsibility. By ensuring their basic needs like food, shelter, and health and providing essential education support, we not only aid their immediate survival but also lay the foundation for their future. Every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive, even amidst adversity."

The storm is expected to reach the eastern coast of China by Thursday, according to the U.S. Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Center.

Save the Children Philippines is at the forefront of the humanitarian response and is identifying the immediate needs of affected children and their communities. Save the Children is calling on the country's Department of Education and concerned government agencies to ensure that children like Carla can safely return to school.

The country's Department of Health raised a nationwide "Code White Alert" and asked medical personnel and health services to be ready to respond against the threat of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease infection spread in the urine of infected animals.

Save the Children Philippines' Health Adviser, Dr. Amado Parawan, said:

"Flood waters may be contaminated with urine from rats carrying the bacteria. Thus, we encourage everyone to exercise precaution, especially for children, and seek immediate medication at the nearest health facility if infected."

Save the Children has been working in the Philippines since 1981 with programs in humanitarian response, health and nutrition, education, and children's rights and protection.

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*45 schools were damaged in eight out of the 18 regions of the Philippines or about 40% of the country.

NOTES

[1]Department of Education (Philippines) https://www.facebook.com/DepartmentOfEducation.PH/
[2] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/24/weather/typhoon-gaemi-taiwan-philippines.html
[3] https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/2023-11/USAID-%20Philippines-Climate-Change-Country-Profile_0.pdf
https://www.pids.gov.ph/details/news/in-the-news/a-month-of-teaching-days-lost-due-to-extreme-heat-other-calamities-study
[4]https://apnews.com/article/philippines-typhoon-gaemi-monsoon-rains-flooding-f847a7f030e3a8f1dba865aa4b159f4f
[5] https://www.metoc.navy.mil/jtwc/products/wp0524prog.txt