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Humanitarian org: Heartbreaking to see kids sleeping on cold, hard floor at cramped evacuation centers
The situation of the children who were evacuated from areas affected by the phreatic eruption of the Taal Volcano is “heartbreaking,” humanitarian organization Save the Children said Tuesday.
In a statement, Save the Children noted that around 21,000 children living within the 14-kilometer danger zone have been evacuated.
The organization expressed concern for the children who were forced to “face hunger and disease in cramped and unsanitary evacuation centers” as well as miss school.
Jerome Balinton, humanitarian manager of the Save the Children Philippines, said their team visited a cockpit arena that is being used as an evacuation center by over 900 people.
“It was heartbreaking. More than 900 people are sleeping on the cold, hard surface without mats. Due to sudden evacuation, people were not able to bring blankets, hygiene essentials, mosquito nets, and supplies for babies such as diapers.”
He noted that small children are easily catching cough and colds due to the congestion at the evacuation centers.
Save the Children Philippines Chief Executive Officer Alberto Muyot underscored that children need special care, supplies, and “specific support to meet their emotional and psychological needs.”
“Unless this support is provided quickly, children are likely to suffer long-term developmental, physical and psychological setbacks,” he said.
“Authorities need to coordinate with parents and caregivers to prepare for children’s unique needs at times of disaster.”
Save the Children Philippines said they are in affected areas to work with the government in addressing the needs of child evacuees.
The Office of Civil Defense earlier said almost 36,000 people have been evacuated due to the unrest of the Taal Volcano. — MDM, GMA News
