MANILA – The Asian Development Bank and UNICEF on Wednesday pledged supplies and relief aid in support of emergency relief efforts in the wake of Tropical Storm Ondoy (international code name Ketsana), which inundated the Philippines over the weekend, causing the worst flooding in Manila in over 40 years.

ADB said it will give $3 million in aid assistance, which will be used to provide clean water, health services, medical supplies and other essential emergency items to vulnerable families in need of assistance.

"The Philippines is ADB's home, and we are dedicated to helping flood-affected families through this unimaginably difficult time," ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda said in a statement.

"There are still thousands of families rendered homeless by the floods, and ADB will do whatever it can to support the government's efforts to provide them with the essential care they need," he added.

Similarly, Unicef said it has provided about P6,908,330 million in supplies to address the urgent needs of affected children and their families in the wake of tropical storm Ondoy.

Unicef said it has supplied food and non-food items, as well as temporary shelter to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for distribution to flood-stricken communities over the weekend.

Data from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) revealed that around 1.8 million people were affected, with 600,000 people being relocated in around 600 evacuation centers. Some families are still trapped on upper levels or roofs of houses awaiting rescue.

“Our hearts go out to the thousands of children and families who have been affected by the storm, whether they are still trapped in their homes or living in evacuation centers. This is a very difficult experience for any child, especially for those who have lost their loved ones,” Vanessa Tobin, UNICEF Representative, said.

ADB said the $3 million grant is being provided under ADB emergency facility, the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, which provides quick-disbursing grants to help restore essential life-saving services following disasters. ADB is coordinating its relief efforts with the United Nations and other development partners.

Unicef said it is in constant coordination with the government and other humanitarian agencies to deliver much-needed goods and services to the displaced. They formed part of an assessment team composed of emergency specialists and have travelled to many sites today to find out how children are being affected by the massive flooding.

“I visited the flooded sites of Taguig, Mandaluyong and Quezon City today, and was shocked by the level of devastation in many communities. But what also struck me was the amazing co-operation and generosity of the people of the capital, who have opened up their homes to assist others less fortunate in their neighbourhoods," Tobin said.

“Water and sanitation are issues that need immediate action. In the next 48 hours, we will be delivering 2,000 more hygiene kits, essential medicines, water purification tablets, portable toilets and family kits containing blankets and soap to aid in relief efforts. We are also helping the government and other humanitarian agencies to address gaps in the delivery of aid to those affected,” she added.

Unicef is now appealing internationally for US$3.5 million for the children and families affected by the storm. The funds will be used to purchase additional water kits and essential medical kits to ensure safe drinking water and to prevent outbreak of diseases.

UNICEF is accepting cash donations through its Metrobank account: UNICEF C/A 066-7-06631209-3 in response to the victims of tropical storm Ondoy.