UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

Published purpose

November 2013 – On 15 October 2013, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Bohol, an island province in Central Visayas, Philippines, killing 218 people and injuring 768 people. The earthquake affected more than three million people, displacing more than 350,000 people from their homes. The damage from the earthquake, valued at greater than $53 million, includes more than 60,000 houses, seaports, airports, churches, government and public buildings, schools, and hospitals. Aftershocks, which continued for weeks following the earthquake, caused further damage to vulnerable shelters. With DFATD's support, UNICEF is providing essential water, sanitation and hygiene activities to ensure that up to 344,300 vulnerable earthquake-affected people have access to clean drinking water and safe sewage treatment and disposal. Some project activities include: (i) coordinating the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) activities of various organizations to ensure accountability and effectiveness; (ii) monitoring water quality and people’s access to WASH services; (iii) installing mobile water treatment units, water bladders to store water safely, water points, and safe drainage from WASH facilities; (iv) rehabilitating water source and supply systems; (v) distributing water and hygiene kits, including such items as toothbrushes and soap; (vi) building, operating and maintaining separate emergency latrines and bathing facilities for women and men, and ensuring safe water disposal; (vii) conducting information sessions to raise awareness of the importance of good hygiene; and (viii) managing solid waste.