One of the largest storms ever to make landfall has hit the the Philippines, killing thousands and affecting more than 13 million people.

Plan emergency teams are on the ground right now - helping families affected by Typhoon Haiyan, which struck communities with wind speeds of over 310 kmh (195 mph).

Highest level of response

the sheer strength and impact of this typhoon is simply unprecedented and overwhelming. Many communities are now in dire and urgent need

Plan International Chief Executive Officer Nigel Chapman said: "Plan has spent many years successfully helping to build communities' resilience to disasters and emergencies in the Philippines - but the sheer strength and impact of this typhoon is simply unprecedented and overwhelming. Many communities are now in dire and urgent need.

"We have launched the highest possible level of reponse to this tragedy and are committing many extra resources and staff to help those affected get back on their feet as quickly as possible."

Bracing for the worst

Plan's country director in the Philippines, Carin van der Hor, said:

“The Philippines is living between disasters. We've seen floods, numerous typhoons and then an earthquake in Bohol. People who were still in tents were evacuated after Typhoon Haiyan struck, as their tent cities were flooded and because the winds were so dangerous.

We are bracing ourselves for the worst

“Due to communications being down, it’s still difficult to know the true scale of devastation caused by Typhoon Haiyan. We are bracing ourselves for the worst.

“Plan staff report dead bodies blocking the road to Tacloban. This means passing through the roads is proving difficult.

Children and remote areas priority

“Those living in remote areas remain on our priority list, as are children. Children are always badly affected by disasters like this; some will lose their lives, or lose parents, siblings and extended families. Everything that is familiar and safe is disrupted or destroyed, including homes, schooling and family livelihoods. Some of these children will witness things no child should have to see."

Water and shelter

Before Haiyan hit land, Plan positioned 4,000 water kits and 4,000 pieces of plastic sheeting for shelter so if roads become impassable items can be quickly distributed by the community. These will serve about 20,000 people. In addition, there are similar numbers of kits in reserve for further distributions.

Haiyan could be even more devastating than typhoon Bopha, which lashed the Philippines in 2012, killing at least 1,146 people and doing more than US$1 billion worth of damage.

All of Plan Philippines’ programme units, home to about 40,000 sponsored children, are likely to be affected by the storm.

Learn more about Plan International's emergency response work