The United Nations through its UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) started closely monitoring developments on Friday as Typhoon Ompong, internationally known as Mangkhut, got closer to Northern Luzon on Friday.
In a statement, Unicef said it was ready to assist the government in its efforts to keep people safe from the typhoon.
Unicef has already prepositioned emergency supplies for 12,500 famiies – “especially for those in vulnerable and high-risk communities on the typhoon’s track.”
It said it would be able to distribute these supplies “on very short notice.”
“Children are the most vulnerable in any emergency situation,” the statement quoted Unicef Rep. Lotta Sylwander as saying.
“We also call on parents and local communities to heed the governments’ call to evacuate to safe spaces, to ensure populations – especially children, pregnant mothers, and vulnerable families – are safe from possible damage brought about by ‘Ompong’,” Sylwander added. /atm