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Save The Children Sends Assessment Team to Towns Affected by Taal Volcano Eruption

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Philippines
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Save the Children
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Save the Children is sending an assessment team on Tuesday to assess the situation of children and their families camped in evacuation centers in affected municipalities of Taal volcano eruption. Authorities continue to evacuate people living in 14-kilometer danger zone, home to almost half a million population, as hazardous eruption “is one pattern being looked at” due to persistent volcanic earthquakes in the last 24 hours.

At least 6,000 families living in towns near Taal Volcano in Batangas province were evacuated as of Sunday afternoon following escalation of eruptive activity. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has monitored has monitored 75 volcanic earthquakes since yesterday.

Jerome Balinton, humanitarian manager of Save the Children Philippines will lead the assessment team to meet with local officials in Batangas and visit evacuation centers in the most affected towns of Agoncillo, Talisay, Laurel, and San Nicolas, also in Batangas.

He also called on local authorities to prioritize children in the evacuation as they are the most vulnerable to suffer from the health hazards of ash all containing small particles that could reach the lungs.

“We also call on local authorities to implement a reunification process for children and their families since the ongoing evacuation is prioritizing children and the elderly,” said Balinton.

Millions of learners in regions 4A, Metro Manila, and Central Luzon were affected with the suspension of classes in all levels due to heavy ashfall.

"As volcanic activity continues, Save the Children assessment teams will be on the ground. We are deeply concerned for the health and safety of the families in that area, especially children who are most vulnerable to health risk from the volcanic ash and ashfall rain," said Atty. Alberto Muyot, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Philippines said.

MEDIA CONTACT
Lei Tapang, Campaigns and Media Coordinator, Save the Children Philippines
Mobile: +63 917 873 3448
Email: Lei.Tapang@savethechildren.org
4F Sunnymede IT Center1614 Quezon Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, 1103 Metro Manila