Children’s vulnerability to climate crisis

How typhoons and strong rains affect children

UNICEF Philippines
Typhoon Carina affected family
UNICEF Philippines/2024/Larry Monserate Piojo
23 July 2025

Every year, the Philippines faces threats of flooding and landslides due to more intense typhoons and monsoon rains. These risks often lead to loss of lives, homes, schools, livelihoods, and access to essential services.

Climate crisis is a child rights crisis

Children are most vulnerable to the impact of intense typhoons, monsoon rains and other weather patterns

Children’s health is at risk

Damaged health, water and sanitation facilities disrupt essential services, putting children at high risk of disease. Lack of safe drinking water and nutritious food can lead to malnutrition and even death.

Typhoon impact
UNICEF Philippines/2022/Ysa Cascante

Learning recovery is interrupted

Schools often serve as evacuation centers during emergencies. Damaged classrooms and materials delay the resumption of classes, making it harder for children to catch up on their learning.

Typhoon Carina learning
UNICEF Philippines/2024/Larry Monserate Piojo

Higher risk of violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation

Children may get injured or separated from their families. The distress of emergencies affects their mental health. Loss of income and increased stress in their communities, as well as lack of privacy in crowded evacuation centers heighten the risk of violence, abuse, and exploitation.

Typhoon impact EC
UNICEF Philippines/2024/Larry Monserate Piojo
EC

UNICEF works alongside the Philippine Government and local government units to provide immediate support and assistance to the most affected families and communities. We remain committed to protecting every child’s right to a safe environment before, during, and after emergencies. We help equip every family with the knowledge and skills they need to create a safer and resilient home for every child.


Donate now to UNICEF to help children and families affected by emergencies. 

Your support enables UNICEF to provide ongoing assistance to the most vulnerable families affected by the climate crisis.