Children’s Safety, Learning are Priorities during Mt Mayon Unrest
On June 8, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) increased the status of Mayon volcano, an active stratovolcano in the province of Albay in Bicol, Philippines, to alert level 3, warning of a potentially dangerous eruption in the following days or weeks. Families living within a six-kilometer radius of the permanent danger zone in Albay are being evacuated.
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), which is closely monitoring the condition of affected families and children, has issued a warning to children, who are among the most vulnerable in emergencies such as volcanic eruptions. According to UNICEF, they are at significant risk of respiratory issues, malnutrition, and illnesses.
Children who had to flee for safety are more prone to suffer from psychosocial stress. They may also be subjected to neglect, abuse, and exploitation if they remain in evacuation facilities. Schools are frequently used as evacuation destinations before, during, and after a disaster, disrupting children’s learning owing to the resulting suspension of courses.
When Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr visited the town in mid-June, he emphasized the importance of supporting their psychological and emotional needs, as well as ensuring their safety and well-being while in the evacuation centers.
According to a state news source, the Department of Education has registered a total of 17, 033 affected students. There are 5, 595 impacted displaced students enrolled in schools inside the 6-7 km danger zones, and 11,438 students enrolled in schools used as evacuation shelters. The evacuees take up a total of 264 classrooms.
Meanwhile, UNICEF announced that it has strategically positioned emergency supplies to meet the needs of more than 10,000 families affected by the disaster. These supplies include, among other things, tents, emergency educational resources, hygiene kits encouraging family well-being and dignity, water purification tablets, and ready-to-use therapeutic food.
SOURCE: UNICEF/PIA
Category: Features, Health alert
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