November 12, 2013 - Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) has impacted 11.3 million people in the Philippines. Many citizens are struggling to survive as they await aid. The city of Tacloban in Leyte is the worst of all. So far, the official death toll is at 1,798 and many fear the number may reach 10,000. The UN reported that 673,000 people are displaced from their homes and their survival depends on help reaching them quickly.
HOPE worldwide Teams Arrive From Manila and Cebu
The ICOC and HOPE worldwide responded swiftly by mobilizing water and relief goods to Daan Bantayan in the North of Cebu City and Tacloban City in Leyte. Teams from Manila and Cebu managed to bring aid to Tacloban today - four days after the typhoon destroyed the islands of the country.
The relief teams are helping victims to access emergency shelters in nearby cities where volunteers are opening their homes to these displaced individuals. Food, water and life-saving supplies are being mobilized to help the people in need. Arrangements are being made for medical supplies to be airlifted into the Philippines in coordination with local government and World Health Organization.
Koko Enrile, Evangelist from the Metro Manila Christian Church, led a relief team and described what they saw in Tacloban City, “We were all shocked by the massive destruction we saw. Streams of people were walking to get out of the city to seek shelter outside as most homes have either been totally destroyed or heavily damaged. There is a shortage of food and water so some residents have resorted to looting food warehouses despite the declaration of martial law. The city looks like it was war ravaged or worst. We gave out relief goods and first aid kits and water to the survivors who displayed such gratitude, that tears were flowing unashamedly from everyone.
The volunteers and the disciples from our church there were overjoyed to see each other! Except for one disciple whom we could not locate, all are now safe and evacuating to Cebu."
“Worse Than A Tsunami”
The needs are massive. Experienced relief workers describe the situation as “worse than a tsunami." The Red Cross is bringing in 10,000 body bags as search and rescue teams continue to help families who are searching through the rubbles and debris – many still looking for the bodies of their lost ones; even if it is to just give them a proper and respectful burial.
Health and safety are two big concerns. The current living conditions are going to take a toll on the victims who have survived the storm. Now, they face months of survival. Tetanus and infectious diseases are a real danger, as well as the security and safety of relief workers. Martial law has been imposed in the areas as well.
HOPE worldwide has been actively involved in helping communities impacted by disasters globally. In the Philippines, HOPE worldwide has been working for almost 20 years; protecting children and helping communities overcome the challenges of poverty.
The people of the Philippines need your help today. The best option is for our disaster response teams to procure relief items locally - enabling us to obtain them quicker and at a lower price than international in-kind shipments. Your financial gift is key in helping those who need it most.
The time is now, let us join hands to bring hope and make a difference.
CANADIAN DONORS: Please click here for donations to be matched by the Canadian government.
UK DONORS: Please click here for donations to be increased by contributions from GiftAid, a UK government initiative.
Past articles: Philippines Update on ICOC Disciples | HOPE worldwide Mobilizing Relief for Typhoon Survivors
The relief teams are helping victims to access emergency shelters in nearby cities where volunteers are opening their homes to these displaced individuals. Food, water and life-saving supplies are being mobilized to help the people in need. Arrangements are being made for medical supplies to be airlifted into the Philippines in coordination with local government and World Health Organization.
Koko Enrile, Evangelist from the Metro Manila Christian Church, led a relief team and described what they saw in Tacloban City, “We were all shocked by the massive destruction we saw. Streams of people were walking to get out of the city to seek shelter outside as most homes have either been totally destroyed or heavily damaged. There is a shortage of food and water so some residents have resorted to looting food warehouses despite the declaration of martial law. The city looks like it was war ravaged or worst. We gave out relief goods and first aid kits and water to the survivors who displayed such gratitude, that tears were flowing unashamedly from everyone.The volunteers and the disciples from our church there were overjoyed to see each other! Except for one disciple whom we could not locate, all are now safe and evacuating to Cebu."
“Worse Than A Tsunami” The needs are massive. Experienced relief workers describe the situation as “worse than a tsunami." The Red Cross is bringing in 10,000 body bags as search and rescue teams continue to help families who are searching through the rubbles and debris – many still looking for the bodies of their lost ones; even if it is to just give them a proper and respectful burial.
Health and safety are two big concerns. The current living conditions are going to take a toll on the victims who have survived the storm. Now, they face months of survival. Tetanus and infectious diseases are a real danger, as well as the security and safety of relief workers. Martial law has been imposed in the areas as well.
HOPE worldwide has been actively involved in helping communities impacted by disasters globally. In the Philippines, HOPE worldwide has been working for almost 20 years; protecting children and helping communities overcome the challenges of poverty.
The people of the Philippines need your help today. The best option is for our disaster response teams to procure relief items locally - enabling us to obtain them quicker and at a lower price than international in-kind shipments. Your financial gift is key in helping those who need it most.
The time is now, let us join hands to bring hope and make a difference.
CANADIAN DONORS: Please click here for donations to be matched by the Canadian government.
UK DONORS: Please click here for donations to be increased by contributions from GiftAid, a UK government initiative.
Past articles: Philippines Update on ICOC Disciples | HOPE worldwide Mobilizing Relief for Typhoon Survivors