PHILIPPINES: Education Disrupted for More Than 90% of School Children in Wake of Storm Trami – Save the Children

MANILA, (October 28, 2024) – One of the strongest storms to hit the Philippines this year has disrupted learning for more than 90% of children enrolled in education after leaving a trail of death and devastation in its wake, Save the Children said.

Storm Trami, known locally as Kristine, hit the Philippines last week. It brought landslides and floods which killed at least 80 people, including 15 children[1] damaged key infrastructure, and affected almost 250,000 children in some way, the charity said.

The storm, which prompted widespread evacuations and affected 805,000 families, has disrupted learning for more than 19 million students, according to the Department of Education.

Some school closures are set to be extended this week in a year of climate-induced disasters that have closed schools temporarily because of extreme heat.

The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, and climate change is exacerbating those risks.[2]

More than 75,000 families are currently living in evacuation centers across the country, and concerns are rising about children's access to clean water, the risk of waterborne diseases and potential food insecurity in the wake of the disaster.

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

"Many areas affected by the storm have poverty rates above the national average in the Philippines. This means that the communities hit hardest are at an increased risk of prolonged food insecurity and wider impacts due to damaged shelters, which can lead to protection risks for children, health issues and interrupted education. Communities are facing devastating damage, and many children and families urgently need assistance.

"The destruction of healthcare infrastructure, coupled with displacement and overcrowding in evacuation centers, raises the risk of communicable diseases. Malnutrition, especially among young children, is a looming crisis due to disrupted food supplies and agricultural losses. Most affected families are still grappling with the previous impacts of Typhoon Yagi, Typhoon Gaemi, and the long-term effects of El Niño on their socio-economic conditions."

Save the Children's team has reached the site of a deadly landslide in Talisay, about 70 km (43 miles) south of the capital, Manila, to assess needs and is preparing to respond to the needs of children across the country by distributing hygiene kits, organizing cash handouts to families, and establishing temporary, safe learning spaces.

Alberto Muyot, CEO of Save the Children in the Philippines, called on companies and individuals to pledge ahead of emergencies to ensure timely emergency responses to disasters.

"Our priority must be to reach children and help them prepare for disasters before they hit. As one of the world's most disaster-prone countries, we know this will happen again, and we must be prepared."

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.