Typhoon Response Fact Sheet

SITUATION REPORT
PHILIPPINES—TYPHOON HAIYAN (YOLANDA)

30 December 2013

BACKGROUND

Super Typhoon Haiyan, known as Yolanda in the Philippines, slammed into the central Philippines on November 8. Some reports indicated that the storm hit Eastern Samar Province and the northern tip of Cebu Province with sustained winds of 195 miles per hour and gusts up to 235 miles per hour. Storm surges along the coast of more than 20 feet were reported.

Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III spoke of “the calamity our countrymen will face in these coming days.” The Philippine government has estimated the death toll at 5,924. Haiyan is the strongest typhoon in the world this year and one of the most powerful storms ever recorded.

HOW SAMARITAN’S PURSE IS RESPONDING

A 44-member multinational, Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) of technical experts is on the ground in the Philippines coordinating our response. Samaritan’s Purse set up a base for administration and logistics in Cebu City. Forward operations are being coordinated through bases on Bantayan Island and in Tacloban City, a city of about 220,000 people on Leyte Island that was devastated by the typhoon.

A 747 cargo aircraft carrying 65,000 Operation Christmas Child gift boxes arrived in Cebu City on December 14. The shoebox gifts are being distributed to children through local churches in affected areas. One distribution took place at the hospital where we are working.

A 747 cargo plane arrived in Cebu City on December 8 carrying 7.6 million square feet of plastic sheeting, a 7-passenger helicopter, and a collection of Bibles, hymnals, and Christian books.

A 747 cargo aircraft arrived in Cebu City on November 17 carrying 3.6 million square feet of plastic sheeting, 6 community water filtration systems, bladder tanks and tap stands for water storage and distribution, medical supplies, mosquito nets, and blankets.

Supplies are being distributed in affected areas on Cebu Island, Bantayan Island, and Leyte Island.

We set up a pre-treatment water system with a 2,000 liter settling tank at Dulag School. Two additional community water filtration systems, each capable of providing 10,000 gallons of filtered water per day, were set up in the coastal towns of Tanauan and Dulag on Leyte Island. Six systems have been installed and are providing safe water to affected communities. We have distributed 56,000 water purification tablets and 164 household water filters.

We have distributed 1,678 metric tons of food to struggling families. High-energy biscuits have been distributed to children in 49 elementary schools. 21,064 families have received emergency food kits.

We have distributed 26,589 hygiene kits; 16,716 tarps to families, churches, and schools; 5,311 blankets; and 1,960 full shelter kits containing metal roofing sheets, framing materials, and basic hand tools to homeless families. 10 chainsaw teams are cutting toppled coconut trees into usable lumber for shelter units.

Our 9-person medical team, which includes doctors and nurses, is working alongside the staff at the storm-damaged Schistosomiasis Control and Research Hospital in Palo to provide emergency health care to the community. Mobile medical teams are treating people in remote areas. Our team has treated a total of 3,704 people. Our medical workers are also providing vaccinations against measles and polio.

The U.S. Air Force helped set up our mobile field hospital on the grounds of the research hospital in Palo. Local radio stations are directing people to the expanded medical facility.

We are working closely with church partners in all areas.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Pray:

For the people of the Philippines who are struggling to recover from this fierce disaster.

For families who have lost loved ones or have had their homes damaged or destroyed.

For the health and safety of our team members as they work in devastated areas.

Donations: Oprime aquí or call (800) 528-1980.

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