For immediate release

16 October 2015

Plan International Ready to Respond as Typhoon Koppu Threatens Philippines

Manila (16 October) Child rights organisation Plan International is preparing to respond with
humanitarian assistance as Typhoon Koppu threatens the provinces of Aurora and Isabela in the northern
part of the Philippines.
Initially a tropical storm, Koppu, locally named Lando, has intensified into a typhoon as of 5 am Friday,
according to state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services
Administration or PAGASA. It has maximum sustained winds of 120 km/hr near the centre, with gusts of up
to 150 km/hr.
It is expected to hit land tomorrow (October 17) afternoon.
Dennis OBrien, Plan International Philippines Country Director says: We are currently monitoring the
typhoon. Our priority is the safety and protection of children and we are prepared to work with government
and other concerned agencies to provide aid if needed.
Plan International is continuously coordinating with the Emergency Response and Preparedness Working
Group under the Philippines Humanitarian Country Team.
One of our main concerns is ensuring that children and those who might be affected will have access to
clean water, sanitation, and hygiene kits, which can prevent the spread of disease, he adds. We worry
most about the children, as they are the most vulnerable to harm in times of disasters.
The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, experiencing an average of 20
typhoons per year. Plan International in the Philippines has responded to major typhoons in the past,
including Typhoon Haiyan and Typhoon Hagupit.
Plan International Philippines Country Director Dennis OBrien is available for interviews by phone
or skype.
Further details and interview requests:

Plan International Philippines: Richard Dy, Web and Social Media Officer
Email: Richard.Dy@plan-international Mobile +63 998 962 2399

Asia Regional Office (Bangkok): Mike Bruce, Regional Communications Manager

Email: mike.bruce@plan-international.org Mobile: +66 (0)81 8219770

Plan International Headquarters (London): Davinder Kumar, Global Media Manager

Email: Davinder.kumar@plan-international.org Mobile: +44 7773633835

About Plan International: Founded over 75 years ago, Plan International is one of the oldest and
largest children's development organisations in the world. We work in 50 developing countries across

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Africa, Asia and the Americas to promote child rights and lift millions of children out of poverty. Plan is
independent, with no religious, political or governmental affiliations.www.plan-international.org
About Plan International Philippines: Plan International is one of the Philippines' longest-serving
humanitarian and development INGOs, with a special focus on helping marginalised children across the
country to access their rights to health, education, livelihoods, disaster risk management and protection.
Plan in the Philippines has also responded to numerous emergencies across the disaster-prone country by
providing food, healthcare, clean drinking water and sanitation, shelter, temporary schooling and
psychosocial support. Most recently, Plan has responded to the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan which killed more
than 6200 people and affected more than 14 million. Plan also responded to the 2013 Bohol earthquake,
2012 Typhoon Bopha, 2011 Typhoon Sendong and supplying relief during the ongoing conflict in
Mindanao.