MANILA, Philippines, Nov. 13, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Plan International has launched a global appeal for $25 million to support the immediate needs of the survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131113/DC16813)
The typhoon, which ripped through the country on Friday, November 8th, has left a trail of devastation in its wake and affected more than 11 million people. Thousands have lost their lives, with hundreds of thousands more fleeing their homes and communities. Plan's immediate priority is to provide food, shelter, water and sanitation, and protection to vulnerable families and children.
Plan's Country Director in the Philippines, Carin van der Hor, says: "This is a disaster of the highest magnitude that is potentially the worst natural disaster the country has ever experienced. The people of the Philippines endure a continual cycle of typhoons, floods, earthquakes and landslides, but we haven't seen anything as ferocious as this typhoon before.
"It is important that the international community comes together to support the immediate needs of the millions who have been affected in the country. There are now thousands of families in evacuation centers who have been forced out of their homes and are in desperate need of food, shelter, clean water and medicine."
Nineteen-year-old Charlene is one such girl in need. She is currently living in a temporary shelter, after her home was washed away by the typhoon. Charlene says: "People are starting to get sick and what they need right now is food, clean water, and medicine. I am trying to stay strong and I am praying for other victims affected by the typhoon. We can get through this together."
All of Plan Philippines' program units, home to about 40,000 sponsored children, have been affected. On average, 20 typhoons hit the Philippines every year, with 2 or 3 of them devastating. Haiyan has been described as the most powerful typhoon to ever make landfall.
Plan has been working in the Philippines since 1961. We work in 420 communities nationwide. More than 80,000 families benefit from our projects.
To find out how to donate, visit Plan's Disaster Relief & Recovery Fund.
About Plan International USA
Plan International USA is part of the Plan International Federation, a global organization that works side by side with communities in 50 developing countries to end the cycle of poverty for children and their families. Plan works at the community level to develop customized solutions and ensure long-term sustainability. Our solutions are designed up-front to be owned by communities for generations to come and range from clean water and health care programs to education projects and child protection initiatives. For more information, please visit www.PlanUSA.org.
SOURCE Plan International
