Typhoon Haima: Plan International UK begins preparations as second, stronger storm threatens Philippines this week

Manila (17 October) – Global child rights and humanitarian organization Plan International UK is preparing for its second typhoon in just one week as an even stronger storm, Typhoon Haima (locally named Lawin), enters the Philippines area of responsibility today.

Dennis O’Brien, Plan International Philippines Country Director said: “As Typhoon Haima continues to gain in strength and has the potential to become a super Typhoon, Plan International UK is closely monitoring its path and is preparing to respond with humanitarian assistance, if needed.”

“Our emergency response teams are on standby for deployment and we have prepositioned emergency supplies to ensure that children and those affected receiveaccess to vital, life-saving items such as food, shelter, clean water and basic sanitation as quickly as possible,” said O’Brien.

Coming just 24-hours later, Typhoon Haima is expected to make landfall in the north of the Philippines on Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.

According to the weather state bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Typhoon Haima is packing winds of up 150 k/ph.

“The Typhoon’s path and potential impact will become clearer over the coming days, but we are working in close coordination with national government and humanitarian agencies to ensure children and their families, as well as those most affected, are prepared and will get the support they need,” said O’Brien.

The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, experiencing an average of 20 typhoons per year. The country is expecting for 13 more typhoons to enter Philippines Area of Responsibility this year.