Red Cross Offers Ways to Help Typhoon Haiyan Recovery

Red Cross Typhoon Haiyan response. Photo courtesy Red Cross.

By Wendy Osher

The American Red Cross Hawaiʻi Chapter continues to assist with recovery efforts following landfall of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines on Friday.

According to the agency’s Hawaiʻi CEO, Coralie Matayoshi, “Hawaiʻi residents have expressed tremendous concern and support for those affected.”

Matayoshi announced instructions for those who wish to donate saying they can do so in the following ways:

• Mail a check to “American Red Cross” and indicate in the memo line “Philippine Typhoon” (for Philippines response specifically) or “Pacific Typhoon” (affecting Philippines, Vietnam, etc.);
• Go to redcross.org to make an online donation;
• or call 1-800-REDCROSS to make a donation over the phone.
• For corporate or larger community fundraising events, interested individuals can call (808) 739-8133.

Red Cross Typhoon Haiyan response. Photo courtesy Red Cross.

Officials say Typhoon Haiyan caused significant damage with sustained winds of over 145 mph impacting the area, and a death toll that continues to rise.

According to Red Cross information, the storm affected 4.3 million people across 36 provinces.

The agency reports that 1,200 evacuation centers are currently housing more than 330,000 people that were left homeless by the storm.

While the Philippine Red Cross volunteer teams are providing assistance on scene in the hardest hit communities, the American Red Cross is sending disaster relief specialists and equipment to the country for additional support. The American contingent is also assisting individuals in connecting with loved ones.

Two disaster relief specialists with the American Red Cross were deployed to the region on Saturday, the charity said.

“Communication is still very limited in the hardest hit communities, and the American Red Cross will also send two telecommunication specialists and a satellite system in the coming days,” the Red Cross said in a press release.