Update 11/14:  The Salvation Army in The Philippines is ready to assist the many thousands of people affected by Typhoon Haiyan.  Seven tons of food—rice and canned goods—have already been prepared for distribution in 18-kilogram packages.  The region’s geography is complicating any response, with the worst-hit area being made up of several islands.  On Leyte, the island that bore the brunt of the typhoon, there is no power and only very poor, intermittent cell phone capability, meaning that it is very difficult to get a clear picture of what is happening on the ground.  The little contact that has been made has highlighted the scarcity of food and drinking—and these are areas of ongoing concern.  Damaris Frick, from International Emergency Services, has arrived from London and will be working in partnership with territorial headquarters staff to assess the needs.  It is expected that Damaris will soon send specific requests for help based on the assessment of the situation, looking in particular at the needs that The Salvation Army can meet beyond the initial reaction that is already under way. Territorial Commander Colonel Wayne Maxwell says he and the Salvationists of The Philippines are hugely grateful for the strong support they have received from around the world.  This post will be updated with any further developments. 

Originally Posted 11/12:  (Manila, The Philippines—November 11, 2013)—The massive devastation caused by typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) turned the eyes of the world towards the Philippines. In this time of unthinkable devastation, various territories and friends of The Salvation Army have joined the Philippine Territory in responding to the need.

The worst-affected area seems to be around Tacloban, the capital of the island province of Leyte, which is approximately 360 miles south-east of the Philippines’ capital, Manila. The islands of Iloilo, Palawan and Mindoro were also affected. A team from territorial headquarters is making arrangements with the Philippine Airforce to transport food parcels, water and medical supplies to Tacloban, and a Salvation Army doctor will be part of the initial response team.

Time is another enemy as survivors are succumbing to hunger and diseases. Violence and looting have become rampant. There are those who are losing their minds because of grief and hunger. “The Salvation Army is already responding locally to the immediate needs of the survivors on the Island of Leyte and throughout the other Islands devastated by Typhoon Yolanda” said Colonel Wayne Maxwell, the Territorial Commander. “Temporary accommodation and assistance with food and other urgent supplies is currently underway. Arrangements are being made for the transportation of food, water and medical supplies to Tacloban and for the distribution of these urgent supplies.”

“In addition to this practical support emotional and spiritual counseling are being provided. The effects of this Typhoon will be felt for months. Your financial support to this work would be sincerely appreciated.”
A team from the Territorial Headquarters in Manila will soon join our officers in the Visayas to conduct relief operations. The Army foresees a series of relief and rehabilitation programs for Tacloban and other affected towns and cities. As of this writing, the disaster team at the International Headquarters is meeting to help the Philippines.

How to Help
The best way to help The Salvation Army serve those affected by this storm is make a monetary contribution.  Click here to give online.

By Mail:
Donations by check (designate “Typhoon Haiyan”) can be mailed to:
The Salvation Army
1215 Fulton Street East
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3849

Text to give:
Text TYPHOON to 80888 and reply YES to confirm your donation*.
Terms and conditions:
*A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Message and Data Rates May Apply. All charges are billed by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available on Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. By participating you certify that you are 18 yrs or older and/or have parental permission. Donations are collected for the benefit of The Salvation Army by Innogive Foundation and subject to the terms found at igfn.org/t. Privacy policy: igfn.org/p. Text STOP to 80888 to stop; Text HELP to specify 80888 for help.