Over 1.7 Million Children Affected as Super Typhoon Fung-wong Devastates the Philippines.
MANILA:
More than 1.7 million children have been severely affected by Super Typhoon Fung-wong, the strongest storm to strike the Philippines this year. The typhoon made landfall on 9 November, sweeping across 16 regions and inflicting massive damage on communities already reeling from successive climate-related and geophysical disasters.
According to government figures, the powerful typhoon has impacted over 5.17 million people, leaving families struggling amid widespread destruction of homes, schools, and health facilities. For children, the consequences are especially grave, with heightened risks of respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, malnutrition, mental health distress, and disrupted learning.
“Children and their families are barely climbing out of one crisis before another strikes, pushing them back to zero. As the world experiences more frequent and intense climate shocks, the most vulnerable children should not have to pay the highest price,” said Kyungsun Kim, UNICEF Philippines Representative.
Widespread Damage to Schools and Loss of Safe Spaces
More than 15,000 classrooms have been damaged, and over 900 public schools are currently being used as evacuation centres. Thousands of children have lost their safe spaces to learn, play, and access essential services. Authorities warn that the prolonged displacement may worsen children’s vulnerability to exploitation and trauma, underscoring the urgent need for child protection and psychosocial support.
Philippines: World’s Most Disaster-Prone Country
For four consecutive years, the Philippines has topped the World Risk Index as the world’s most disaster-prone nation. Increasingly intense typhoons, heatwaves, and torrential rains—exacerbated by climate change—are pushing communities to the brink.
Kim stressed the need for a holistic response: “We champion a multi-pronged approach – providing urgent life-saving support while working for child-centred climate policies, climate-resilient social services, and mobilising climate financing to safeguard communities.”
UNICEF Mobilises Emergency Response
Joint assessments by UNICEF, the Philippine government, and humanitarian partners are underway to identify urgent needs across water, sanitation, hygiene, health, nutrition, education, protection, and social protection. Pre-positioned emergency supplies from UNICEF warehouses in Manila and Cotabato have already begun reaching affected populations.
UNICEF will also distribute Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), therapeutic milk, and breastfeeding kits to ensure continuity of treatment for children suffering from acute malnutrition.
With support from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), UNICEF is preparing US$540,000 in emergency cash assistance for vulnerable families in Catanduanes, one of the hardest-hit provinces. The programme may expand as needs continue to be assessed.
Support Amid Consecutive Disasters
Even before Typhoon Fung-wong, the country had been grappling with earlier typhoons and earthquakes since October. In response, UNICEF had distributed hygiene and water kits to 6,000 households across Cebu, Davao Oriental, and Dinagat Islands.
As the Philippines confronts yet another major disaster, humanitarian agencies warn that the cumulative impact of repeated crises is pushing millions—especially children—into deeper vulnerability, calling for sustained support and climate-resilient solutions.
