The world was astounded by the intensity and damage of Typhoon Yolanda, or more internationally known as “Haiyan”. It is a Category 5 hurricane that made a landfall in the Eastern Visayas, Philippines on November 8, 2013. According to Huffington Post, it could be one of the strongest storms in history.
With an estimated maximum sustained winds of 195mph (i.e. 315 kph) per JTWC (Joint Typhoon Warning Center) with gusts above 220mph, it is capable of causing catastrophic destruction as only three storms have had sustained winds close to this magnitude – Hurricane Camille in 1969, Super Typhoon Tip in 1979 and Hurricane Allen in 1980. No storm in the Atlantic has ever been stronger than Haiyan, according to The Weather Channel.
How To Help Typhoon Yolanda Victims
The trail of devastation caused by Yolanda is enormous.
- 9.8 million people affected
- 3,891 injured and 77 missing
- Tacloban City, the hardest hit city, is a disaster zone
It is part of the Philippine culture to help one another. Here are the best avenues you can check on to send your aid to those who are affected by the disastrous storm.
1. Donate through cash or relief goods. There are local and international organizations who are offering relief to the victims. Here are some of them.
- UNICEF.
URL: www.unicef.org
Call: 1-800-367-5437
Text: RELIEF to 864233 to donate $10
- Philippine Red Cross.
URL: www.redcross.org.ph
Call: +632-527-000
Text: RED <space> AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4143 (Smart)
- Red Cross.
URL: www.redcross.org
Call: 1-800-733-2767
Text: REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10
- World Vision.
Call: 372-7777
- ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya.
URL: www.abs-cbnfoundation.com/sk/
Call: (02) 411-0182, 411-0183, 411-0115
- GMA Kapuso Foundation.
URL: http://www.gmanetwork.com/kapusofoundation/donation
Call: +632-928-4299, +632-928-9351
For a comprehensive list of agencies, check this out.
2. Support Fundraising Activities. There are multiple individuals and groups who found ways to raise funds. Among these are:
- #YolandaActionWeekend. Eat on 100+ establishments who have pledged to contribute their sales. Updates can be found in their Facebook portal.
- Contribute to 1,000 Bear Hugs. Send your new and clean pre-loved stuffed toys for the children of the affected families. Either email them or follow them on Twitter for more information.
- Buy T-Shirts for a cause. Buy “Tulong Na, Tabang Na, Tayo Na” T-shirt for only PhP250.00. All proceeds go to Yolanda survivors. The shirts are available in Alabang Town Center, Glorietta Makati City, Harbor Point in Subic, The District Mall in Cavite, and Marquee Mall in Pampanga. Full details here.
- #OperationRebuildPH – An online fund raising campaign that focus on rebuilding Typhoon Yolanda affected areas.
- Beyond canned goods, you can still (–foul word(s) removed–)ist in your own way. Here’s how.