“This is a double tragedy for the family, to have survived the typhoon only to be killed as they were just starting to rebuild their lives.”
MANILA, Philippines – The UN Refugee Agency is greatly saddened by the death of a displaced family after their tent was burnt down in Leyte province early yesterday.
The fire in Tacloban city’s Barangay 88 San Jose area was believed to have started just after midnight on Wednesday due to a gas lamp. The affected tent was occupied by the Ocenar family that had lost their home in last November’s Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda).
The head of the family was away at the time of the accident. His wife, in her late 30s, and their six children – aged 2 months to 11 years – were rushed to the hospital but later died of their injuries.
“This is a double tragedy for the family, to have survived the typhoon only to be killed as they were just starting to rebuild their lives,” said Bernard Kerblat, UNHCR’s Representative in the Philippines. “This accident is a somber reminder that the authorities and aid agencies need to strengthen existing efforts to sensitize the community on fire safety and mitigation measures, and seek permanent housing solutions for IDPs.”
Since the typhoon struck more than six months ago, electricity has been restored in some but not all the affected areas. Some areas like Barangay 88 continue to rely on generators for lighting, but these are often switched off at night.
UNHCR has distributed 19,000 solar lamps to the displaced communities to help alleviate the lighting shortage and enhance protection especially for women and children.
UNHCR continues to work with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and its partners in Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM) lead by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) camp managers to ensure tent sites are secure and communities are trained in fire drills and safety and evacuation procedures.
Contact persons:
Marmie Liquigan 09189208765 | [email protected]
Eilish Hurley 09173018963 | [email protected]
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