The news from Talcoban in the Philippines and all along the coast continues to highlight the devastating effects of super typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda that hit the country last Friday, tearing through homes, infrastructure, and people’s lives. With displacement estimates in the 600,000’s and death tolls rising to over 10,000, the aftermath is grim. 150-180 mph (up to 230 mph) winds rushed through the country, followed by 40-50 foot storm surges that destroyed as much as 70-80% of anything in its path and caught many residents by surprise. Photos splashing across the headlines tell the tale better than any numbers might.
Aid has been trickling in from countries across the world, though somewhat slow getting on the ground. In the early aftermath, the United States sent 90 Marines. The U.N released $25 million in emergency funds. Families continue to search for their missing members.
If you’re wondering, “how can I help,” a number of sites have aggregated ways to help: CBS, New York Times, LA Times, and a quick Google search will reveal other ways you can help. Friends have suggested NAFCON (National Alliance for Filipino Concerns) is running a PayPal account for its relief efforts. As a personal suggestion, take a moment to peruse the number of groups and the different work they are doing and find one that fits your worldview – my preference is for those with more localized connections and efforts. Or consider this recent advice in Slate: Donate money – not teddy bears, not old shoes, not breast milk.
Image Credits: (Top) Getty Images / Noel Cellis / AFP (Bottom) Getty Images / Raul Banias / AFP
