Save the Children ready to respond as tens of thousands of children flee from their homes in flood-hit Manila and its surrounding regions

Manila, Philippines (20^th August 2013) – Save the Children is ready to respond to the needs of 60,000 displaced people, after floods triggered by heavy monsoon rain, enhanced by Tropical Storm Trami, swept through the Filipino capital and five other nearby regions.

At least three people have been killed in the floods, including a five-year-old boy. Schools, government offices, businesses and even the stock exchange were shut today. Heavy rain is expected to continue until the storm exits the Philippines on Wednesday. According to the Philippines’ disaster agency, about 320 areas in 44 municipalities/cities have been flooded.

“Children are always most vulnerable in these situations,” said Anna Lindenfors, country director for Save the Children in the Philippines. “We are especially worried about children who may have been separated from their parents during the flooding.  Children are also less likely to be able to cope with torrents of floodwater. They would have been absolutely terrified, some would have panicked and as rains continue to fall it will place them in greater danger.”

“Save the Children teams are already on standby in Manila, National Capital Region, to respond to the needs of the affected population. Our teams are currently monitoring the situation, and we are in the process of contacting our local partners in the affected areas, so that we can provide relief as necessary. We have pre-made relief packages in our warehouses ready to be mobilised.”

Save the Children has worked in the Philippines for the past 30 years and quickly delivers humanitarian relief after the nation’s frequent typhoons and other disasters. The children’s aid agency is currently responding to the needs of affected communities in Typhoon Bopha and Typhoon Utor. A prime target of natural disasters, the Philippines experiences an average of 20 tropical storms a year and is located in a major earthquake zone housing a number of active volcanoes.

For media interviews, please contact Anna Lindenfors at +63 9178527907 or anna.lindenfors@savethechildren.org.