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HELP is getting to survivors of the quake that rocked Central Philippines, as the death toll reaches 201.
Aid workers for Plan International spent the weekend distributing shelter, water and hygiene kits to families in Bohol.
More than 50,000 homes were damaged by the October 15 quake - government buildings and hospitals were also hit.
Thousands of schools were suspended, many after sustaining damage, leaving more than a million children unable to go to school.
“Plan is responding to the needs of children and their families in the hardest hit areas in Bohol,” says Carin van der Hor, Plan’s Country Director in the Philippines.
“Funding will be used to address the immediate needs of affected people.”
The work is part of a £500,000 emergency response by Plan to help families rebuild their lives.
Aid workers from the charity handed out supplies on Saturday (26) – also providing psychosocial support for children.
In the longer-term Plan aims to support cash grants for poorer families and will help set up temporary learning spaces for children.
More than 2,700 aftershocks have been recorded, increasing the risk of landslides for families living in temporary shelters.
“Rains in affected areas create more risk. Road and bridge damages are hampering the relief assistance,” adds Ms van der Hor.
Plan has worked in the Philippines for more than 50 years and has a team of technical experts used to responding to natural disasters.
For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org
