The United Nations and partners on standby for Typhoon Hagupit (Ruby)

(Manila, 6 December 2014): The United Nations in the Philippines and its partners continue speaking with the Government and the Local Government Units to support preparedness measures to reduce the risk for vulnerable families with the incoming Typhoon Hagupit (known locally as Ruby).

The typhoon is expected to make landfall early Sunday morning entering Samar and moving west as it progresses. The Humanitarian Country Team and humanitarian partners have complemented Government preparedness stocks of food, medical supplies and non-food items in place to respond to life-saving needs of affected people. Shelter and protection issues concerning women and children will be a priority in the immediate aftermath of the typhoon.

Moving people to higher ground is a priority to ensure lives are saved and the Philippine Government has taken preventative steps by evacuating more than 600,000 people in the past 24 hours.

“We are standing by and fully prepared to assist the Government in the response, should they require it,” said Mr. Terence Jones, the acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator. “We have experienced people in-country who responded to Typhoon Haiyan and who are available and prepared for the response,” he continued.

Humanitarian needs will not be fully known until Typhoon Hagupit leaves the Philippine landmass.

For further information, please contact: Orla Fagan, Regional Public Information Officer, fagano@un.org , Cell +63 91 7597 7219 or + 66 89 944 7623 Jennifer Bose, Humanitarian Reports Officer, bosej@un.org , Cell +63 927 601 2585 or +66 92261 8502