FROLICKING IN THE FLOODS. Kids will be kids, no matter the dangers posed by muddy floodwaters brought about by Tropical Storm “Lando” along Maharlika Highway in Cabanatuan City. Nueva Ecija towns and cities were among the worst-hit by rising floodwaters that poured down from surrounding mountains in the wake of the typhoon. GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
More than 700,000 children have been affected by Tropical Storm “Lando” (international name: Koppu) which pummeled Central Luzon and heavily damaged the region’s agriculture and infrastructure, according to a youth aid group.
Save the Children Director Ned Olney said the typhoon’s impact should not be underestimated amid the rising number of casualties, which was set at 46 deaths and 82 injured by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
“We are extremely concerned with children and families who have lost everything and without a roof over their heads … Let us not minimize the impact this storm has on people’s livelihoods,” Olney said in a statement.
READ: Lando death toll rises to 46; damage amounts to P9.4 billion | Save the Children launches emergency response in Lando-affected areas
Save the Children noted that education of children had been disrupted by the recent disaster as classes in many towns and cities were still suspended.
“Teams on the ground have seen nearly 100 percent damage to homes, schools and health centers in some of the worst-hit areas. Access to roads is still difficult due to flooding and debris. Save the Children will continue our response and reach out to families who need our help the most,” Olney added.
Save the Children has launched emergency response in Lando-hit areas, particularly in Aurora and Nueva Ecija, by distributing relief kits to thousands of families displaced by massive flooding.
The group said its operations, which would run from three to six months and target about 8,000 households, would prioritize distribution of relief supplies, education, healthcare, and child protection.
NDRRMC said Lando, which weakened into a low pressure area on Wednesday afternoon, was the strongest typhoon to hit the country so far this year in terms of both casualties and damage. Yuji Vincent Gonzales/RC
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