One of the hardest things about living away from your homeland is not being physically there to help when tragedy strikes. While my immediate family was unharmed by the what is now being called one of the strongest storms in history, my countrymen are reeling. And from afar, the best I can do is to pray and make a donation.
News of the strongest typhoon, even worse than Katrina, had come our way and we were worried. Natural disasters are a part of every day life in the Philippines, but nothing could prepare the world for the massive loss of life and destruction that occurred when Typhoon Haiyan hit Central Philippines on Friday.As many as 10,000 people may have died when waves and winds of nearly 150 mph made landfall. Hardest hit was Tacloban City, capital of Leyte Province in the Visayas Islands.
The numbers are staggering:
Typhoon Haiyan (known locally as Yolanda):
- was 500 miles wider than Katrina at its peak
- reached 195 mph sustained winds
- had 235 mph wind gusts
The Aftermath:
- 615,000 people displaced
- 9.5 million affected
- 10,000+ dead
Here are some ways you can help. Make a donation:
- Through the Catholic Relief Services
- Through the Philippine Red Cross’ Paypal account
- Through the World Food Programme
- Text RELIEF to 864233 to donate $10 to @UNICEFUSA
- Text AID to 27733 to donate $10 to @WFP World Food Programme
- Text AID to 27722 to donate $10 to @WFPUSA
