By: Michelle Fulleda
Photo: Destroyed house in Daang Bantayan, Cebu Island. Photo: Jarkko Mikkonen/Finnish Red Cross
The Philippines, a nation of more than 7,000 islands, faces enormous devastation in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan that produced record strength winds along with high storm surges. Approximately 10 million people across 40 provinces have been affected with as many as 600,000 people displaced and the death toll continuing to rise.
The Global Red Cross network is responding to the emergency with food, water, and relief supplies, along with lending expertise and equipment to this immense effort.
Subsequently, the communications capabilities through the region have been significantly damaged; the American Red Cross has activated the restoring family links service to accept disaster inquiries for the Philippines.
Red Cross understands how important it is to re-establish a connection with a family member. The East Georgia Chapter has already helped three families in the Athens community reach out to their families in the Philippines.
If you are unable to reach a family member in the Philippines, you can contact the American Red Cross of East Georgia to initiate a tracing case by calling (706) 353-1645.
Help Now
Every service the American Red Cross provides begins with a donation. Through International Services, the American Red Cross works around the world. We are part of the world’s largest humanitarian network, which includes more than 185 Red Cross partners. Through this network, we have unparalleled access to communities in some of the most remote and difficult-to-access places. From Mexico to the Philippines to Haiti, the American Red Cross relieves suffering worldwide.
Donations can be sent to your local East Georgia Red Cross Chapter, 490 Pulaski Street, Athens GA 30601 or the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013, made by phone at 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800- 257-7575 (Spanish) or online via a secure connection at redcross.org.
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