By Jon Ehrenfeld | Project Officer
Super Typhoon Haiyan strikes the Philippines
Super Typhoon Haiyan (locally named “Yolanda”) is “among the most powerful storms witnessed anywhere in modern times.” It is over 1,200 miles wide and showing gusts up to 235 miles per hour! The Philippines meteorological agency reports storm surges of up to 17 feet striking the provinces of Leyte, Daanbantayan, and Bantayan Island, devastating the Samar province, and hitting the provinces of Cebu , Iloilo, Capiz, and Aklan. The Philippines National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council issued warnings and evacuation notices, and evacuations are occurring in 37 of the Philippine’s 82 provinces, with more than one million people already in evacuation centers. It is estimated that 18 million people have already been affected. Lives have been lost, buildings, homes, roads, and farms have been destroyed. Philippine and UN disaster managers say that the needs now are shelter, food, health, WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene), camp management, and logistics.
Peace Winds America Is Responding!
Thanks to our work in the Philippines responding to previous typhoons Saola, Bopha, and Utor, we are prepared for this latest disaster. PWA’s local partner – the Citizens’ Disaster Response Center (CDRC)– is based in Manila with offices throughout the country and is already responding. As in Typhoon Bopha, CDRC is bringing critical supplies to the hardest-hit communities and providing relief packages with rice, beans, dried fish, cooking oil, soap, blankets, and mattresses. PWA and CDRC maintain regular contact in emergencies, providing updates and situation reports. Your gift will support those most impacted by typhoon Haiyan and will be directed to the areas of greatest need.
An Ongoing Commitment to the Philippines
PWA is committed to effective disaster relief, recovery, and preparedness in the Philippines. In addition to our ongoing typhoon response efforts we remain actively involved in preparedness. This December PWA will be hosting a tri-lateral (Philippine-U.S.-Japan) workshop in Tokyo to help strengthen disaster relief among the Philippines, Japan, and the U.S. PWA activities will continue to build partnerships and plan effective response strategies.
Your Donation Is Significant in the Philippines
Please help support vulnerable, disaster-affected populations in the Philippines. Your donation will be put to work immediately providing food, water, shelter, and basic supplies for the men, women, and children who need it most.
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