As the world waits for more news out of the Philippines, it appears the death toll from Sunday’s Typhoon Haiyan, already more than 10,000, is only set to climb. Rescue workers have yet to reach some of the island nation’s most remote villages, which have been entirely cut off from communication in the wake of super-Typhoon Haiyan.
Relief agencies have already kicked into gear to help this impoverished Southeast Asian nation deal with Typhoon Haiyan, the strongest typhoon ever recorded in history. But it will take days and weeks to assess the full scale of the catastrophe, and the need for food, medicine, shelter and rebuilding of basic infrastructure is long-term. If you’d like to help, check the links below, compiled by the Huffington Post.
THOUGHTS ON HOPE
To the people of the Philippines and their loved ones around the world, we send hope and support.
Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark. – George Iles
Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today. – Thich Nhat Hanh
We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope. – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Hope is like the sun, which, as we journey toward it, casts the shadow of our burden behind us. – Samuel Smiles
The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dreams shall never die. – Edward Kennedy
We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival. – Winston Churchill
Read Related: 10 Tips to Help Kids Cope with Disaster
HOW TO HELP
The World Food Programme, a division of the United Nations, is sending 40 metric tons of fortified biscuits in the immediate aftermath, as well as working with the government to restore emergency telecommunications in the area. Americans can text the word AID to 27722 to donate $10 or donate online.
American Red Cross emergency responders and volunteers throughout the Philippines are providing meals and relief items. Red Cross volunteers and staff also helped deliver preliminary emergency warnings and safety tips. Donate online or mail a check to your local American Red Cross chapter.
The Philippine Red Cross has mobilized its 100 local outposts to help with relief efforts and is accepting online donations.
AmeriCares is sending medical aid, including antibiotics, wound care supplies and pain relievers. AmeriCares is also giving funds to local organizations to purchase supplies.
World Vision is providing food, water and hygiene kits at the evacuation centers. World Vision was also still actively responding to last month’s earthquake in Bohol, which luckily was not struck by the eye of the storm.
ShelterBox donates survival kits, which includes a tent and other essential items for families to use while they are displaced or homeless.
UNICEF is anticipating that children will likely be among the worst affected by the typhoon, UNICEF is working on getting essential medicines, nutrition supplies, safe water and hygiene supplies to children and families in the area.
Salvation Army is promising that 100 percent of all disaster donations will be used for relief efforts. Text TYPHOON to 80888 to donate $10 or give online.
Thanks to Huffington Post for compiling this list of relief organizations mobilizing in the Philippines.
