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NEARLY 90,000 villagers are still living in temporary shelters after the Philippines’ earthquake, reports children’s charity Plan International.
The figure has risen in recent days as families move to official evacuation centres from improvised settlements.
A reported 222 are thought to have died, with 796 injured and a further eight missing after the October 15 quake.
“Among the casualties is a four-year-old girl who died in a stampede,” says Plan’s country director in the Philippines, Carin van der Hor.
“Five children, aged nine to 15, are among the missing persons. Many people still stay in tents placed in open spaces because they’re afraid of aftershocks.”
More than 50,000 homes were damaged by the 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.
Aid workers for Plan have been distributing shelter, water and hygiene kits to affected families.
“Plan is responding to the needs of children and their families in the hardest hit areas,” says Ms van der Hor.
“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 3,000 aftershocks have been recorded, increasing the risk of landslides for families living in temporary shelters.
“Despite accelerated government response, healthy concerns remain for displaced families,” says Ms van der Hor.
“Diarrhoea, measles and respiratory disease continue to rise. Many people are still in shock and fear. Children and their families need psychosocial support.
Child protection is a particular concern for Plan, which has worked in the Philippines for 50 years.
“Instead of being in school, many children are found in groups begging for food and water on roads and highways,” adds Ms Van der Hor.
“These children are vulnerable to exploitation and at risk from car accidents.”
For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org
