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United Nations and its partners prepare to support government in response to typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda)

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Philippines
Sources
HCT Philippines
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Publication date

(Manila, 8 November 2013): The United Nations in the Philippines and its partners are supporting the Government in assessing the damage currently being caused by Typhoon Haiyan (known locally as Yolanda). The super typhoon made landfall in Guiuan on Samar Island at 4.30 a.m. and is currently making its way across the country.

The Philippine Government has taken preventative steps to save lives by moving people from coastal and low-lying areas known to be prone to flash flooding and landslides. “We are working closely in support of Government and local authorities to assess the life-saving needs of the people affected by this typhoon,” said Dr. Julie Hall, acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines.

The super typhoon has ripped roofs off housing, uprooted trees and affected businesses, but the full extent of the damage will not be known until the storm has passed. The Humanitarian Country Team and partners have complemented Government preparedness efforts by pre-positioning stocks to respond to life-saving needs of affected people.

“The Humanitarian Country Team and partners are fully prepared to support and assist the Government in response to this latest typhoon,” said Dr. Hall. “We will continue to support their efforts as we wait to see exactly the extent of the damage caused by Typhoon Haiyan.”

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.