Save the Children Emergency Teams Assessing Children’s Needs in India Post-Cyclone Phailin

WESTPORT, Conn. – Save the Children emergency response teams are working with the government and local partners to quickly assess the needs of children as Cyclone Phailin continues to hit Odishia and other parts of eastern India.

“The damage does not look as bad as we thought it could be: telephone poles have been pulled up from the ground, and trees uprooted, but buildings remain for the most part intact. Although it is still early, so it’s difficult to know the full extent of the damage,” said Save the Children’s Devendra Tak, referring to the damage in Puri, one of the main areas affected by the cyclone.

“Looking out to the ocean, it’s clear the water is still quite rough. On the ground, people are starting to come out and there are children on the streets. The wind is still quite strong, although the rains have let up,” said Tak.

Save the Children has pre-packed emergency supplies, including hygiene kits and food baskets, and is ready to distribute these items to families affected by the storm while the needs assessment is underway.

Additional heavy rain and strong winds are expected to pound cyclone-affected areas in the next 24 hours.

“The wind speed is very high, so we anticipate that there may be delays in being able to reach the most vulnerable families with aid. This also means it could take some time before the full extent of the damage is known, but our teams are working around the clock to coordinate a rapid response and meet the needs of those affected,” added Tak.Donate to the Cyclone Phailin Children in Emergency Fund or visit www.savethechildren.org/india for more information.



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