UNICEF Reaches Typhoon Haiyan Victims In Tacloban

Jakarta, Nov 18 (Antara) - A UNICEF team, including members from Indonesia, has reached Tacloban, the Philippines, one of three areas most affected by typhoon Haiyan that struck on November 8, 2013. In a press statement made available to Antara on Monday, UNICEF Representative in Indonesia Angela Kearney said that UNICEF had reached Tacloban, Ormac and Rocas, the three worst-hit areas by the typhoon to distribute aid and provide logistical support. "In the past three days (Nov 14 to 16), we have distributed 2,500 sanitation kits for families and children. During times like these, hygiene is very important to reduce health risks to children," she added. UNICEF has distributed aid packets to 18,000 people in Tacloban with the help of AirAsia, which airlifted 15 tons of free cargo. Each packet contained detergent, soap, a water cup, toothpaste, a brush and sanitary pads for women. "Indonesians know what it means to be devastated by natural disasters. In such situations, you can lose everything -- your children, parents, house and maybe, even your own life," noted Kearney. "Here, in Tacloban, I also see an incredible resilience. People cannot wait to rebuild their houses and their lives. But they need our help to start," she added. According to UNICEF`s Emergency Program Director, Ted Chaiban, one of the critical requirements on the ground is ensuring the availability of clean water. That includes assessing how the typhoon affected water sources and rebuilding infrastructure. "So far, half of the water supply has been brought back in Tacloban city and equipment, such as generators and machine spare-parts, as well as fuel, are being secured to further improve water supply," he said. "This project has made safe drinking water available for almost 200 thousand people," noted Chaiban. In Indonesia, the UNICEF Representative has made a fund-raising appeal in support of emergency relief operations for typhoon victims in the Philippines. For making donations in Indonesia, please visit www.supportunicefindonesia.org or call +62 21 2996 3400.