CLASSES across the Philippines were suspended on Thursday 25 July, following a powerful typhoon that swept across the country.
At least 45 schools located across 40 per cent of the country sustained damage from the storm and the country’s Department of Education said schools in several regions, including Manila, would close following the destruction.
The Philippines is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, higher temperatures, and increased frequency of typhoons and extreme weather events has led to floods, landslides and land erosion that pollute water resources, damage infrastructure, destroy crops, and lead to loss of lives and livelihoods. In 2022, the World Risk Index ranked the Philippines as the country with the highest disaster risk.
At least 13 people were killed following the strong winds and heavy rains brought on by Typhoon Carina, which also led to deadly landslides. Faisah Ali, Humanitarian Manager for Save the Children Philippines, said: “In times of crisis, such as Typhoon Carina, our priority must be to reach the most vulnerable children. Responding swiftly and effectively to their needs is not just an act of compassion, it is our fundamental responsibility. By ensuring their basic needs like food, shelter and health, and providing essential education support, we not only aid their immediate survival but also lay the foundation for their future. Every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive, even amidst adversity.”
The Philippines Department of Health raised a nationwide ‘Code White Alert’ and asked medical personnel and health services to be ready to respond against the threat of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease infection spread in the urine of infected animals.
Save the Children Philippines’ Health Adviser, Dr Amado Parawan, said: “Flood waters may be contaminated with urine from rats carrying the bacteria. Thus, we encourage everyone to exercise precaution, especially for children, and seek immediate medication at the nearest health facility, if infected.”
Schools across the Philippines have already faced closures this year because of extreme heat. In a study released last month, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said that 53 out of 180 teaching days, or more than one month of school, were lost last year due to “extreme heat and calamities”.
Carla, 15, a member of Save the Children Philippines’ National Children’s Advisory Team, said she is worried about flooding at her family home. “There are holes in our roof and the leak in my room is severe. My school card got wet, making it difficult for me to apply for a scholarship. I’m also scared that our house might collapse soon.”
* Source: Save the Children