Plan International Responds to Super Typhoon Man-yi: Emergency Aid for Affected Filipino Communities
Plan International Pilipinas is assisting communities affected by Super Typhoon Man-yi, locally known as Pepito. This storm is the sixth major typhoon to hit the Philippines in the past month.
The organization has prepared water, hygiene kits, and menstrual hygiene kits for displaced families. Disaster response centers in Catanduanes and Eastern Samar are now active.
Reports from Catanduanes show severe damage to homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Over one million people have been impacted by this typhoon and two prior storms.
Ana Maria Locsin, Executive Director of Plan International Pilipinas, stated, “The repeated onslaught of typhoons has worsened the challenges faced by at-risk communities. Our teams are ready to deliver lifesaving aid and support.”
While providing emergency relief, Plan International focuses on the needs of children, especially girls, who are at higher risk during disasters.
Locsin highlighted that typhoons disrupt access to education, healthcare, and shelter. Girls are more vulnerable to gender-based violence and exploitation in these situations, and the lack of necessities can threaten their health. Therefore, Plan International prioritizes their needs during recovery efforts.
Super Typhoon Man-yi had maximum winds of 185 km/h and gusts up to 230 km/h, causing extensive destruction in coastal areas.
What are the long-term strategies being implemented by Plan International Pilipinas to help communities recover from disasters?
Interview with Ana Maria Locsin, Disaster Response Specialist at Plan International Pilipinas
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Ana Maria. Can you provide us with an overview of the impact Super Typhoon Man-yi has had on the communities in the Philippines, particularly in Catanduanes and Eastern Samar?
Ana Maria Locsin: Thank you for having me. Super Typhoon Man-yi, locally known as Pepito, has indeed wreaked havoc across several regions in the Philippines. Reports are coming in highlighting severe damage to homes, infrastructure, and local livelihoods, particularly in Catanduanes. This is compounded by the fact that Man-yi is the sixth major typhoon to hit our country in just a month, which puts tremendous strain on our already vulnerable communities. Over one million people have been affected, with their access to basic needs severely compromised.
Editor: It sounds devastating. How is Plan International Pilipinas specifically assisting the affected communities in these regions?
Ana Maria Locsin: Our main focus is on immediate relief and recovery. We have mobilized disaster response centers in both Catanduanes and Eastern Samar. We are providing essential supplies, which include water and hygiene kits to ensure that affected families have access to basic necessities. Importantly, we’ve also prepared menstrual hygiene kits, which are crucial for the health and dignity of women and girls in these times of crisis.
Editor: That’s very thoughtful. Given the frequency of these storms recently, how is Plan International working to build resilience in these communities for the future?
Ana Maria Locsin: Building resilience is a multi-faceted approach. While our immediate relief efforts address current needs, we are also looking towards the longer-term recovery and preparedness. We engage communities in disaster risk reduction training, promote sustainable livelihoods, and support infrastructure development that can withstand future natural disasters. Collaboration with local governments and other organizations is essential to create comprehensive plans that address not just reconstruction but also preparation for future typhoons.
Editor: What challenges does Plan International face in delivering aid and support to these communities?
Ana Maria Locsin: There are several challenges, including logistical difficulties due to damaged infrastructure, limited access to remote areas, and the sheer scale of need. Additionally, the recurrent nature of these storms overwhelms the resources we have available. However, we are committed to working closely with local communities and authorities to navigate and mitigate these challenges as effectively as possible.
Editor: It’s clear that the situation is dire and requires collaborative efforts. How can the public support Plan International’s initiatives during this crisis?
Ana Maria Locsin: The public can play an essential role by donating to our relief efforts and spreading awareness about the needs of these communities. Financial contributions help us provide essential services and supplies effectively. Furthermore, we encourage individuals to stay informed about disaster preparedness and to participate in community efforts to build resilience. Every action helps.
Editor: Thank you, Ana Maria, for your insightful comments and for the work that Plan International is doing to assist those affected by Super Typhoon Man-yi. We hope your efforts continue to bring relief and support to those in need.
Ana Maria Locsin: Thank you for shining a light on this important issue. Together, we can help these communities recover and prepare for the future.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) expects the storm to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) soon, but its full impact will be assessed in the following days.
In response, Plan International has sent a Rapid Needs Assessment team to the affected areas. They are coordinating with local and national government agencies, UN bodies, and other partners to prepare for ongoing humanitarian efforts.
According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), past tropical cyclones have displaced 685,071 individuals. Of these, 446,177 are in evacuation centers, while 238,894 seek shelter elsewhere.
The storms affected 1,145,942 individuals or 295,576 families in various regions across the country. The combined damage from these cyclones amounts to $8 million in infrastructure and $146,515 in agriculture.
For more information, please contact Malaya Montesur, Strategic Communications Specialist at Plan International Pilipinas, via malaya.montesur@plan-international.org.