Several months ago, Typhoon Haiyan wreaked havoc across the Visaya region of the Philippines, creating one of the worst humanitarian emergencies and disasters in history. Thousands lost their lives, more than 1.1 million homes were damaged or destroyed, and food, water and electricity supplies were stalled or difficult to find. Emergency response teams were dispatched to ground zero immediately, and relief efforts continue today.
Bekele Geleta, the secretary general of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), made a recent visit to the Visaya region, where he spoke about the importance of empowering those communities impacted by the typhoon, while balancing their dependence on humanitarian aid.
Geleta traveled to the island of Leyte, where he helped distribute aid supplies in the town of Palo, outside Talcoban, almost a month after the typhoon first hit. He then traveled to Ormoc, where a Canadian Red Cross-supported field hospital had been established.
"There are still needs and gaps in delivery of food and emergency shelter materials to some areas, but we must look towards gradually reducing people's dependency on food aid and accelerate cash for work and cash transfer programmes that put money in people's pockets," said Geleta. "Thousands have lost their income and this approach gives them dignity and allows them to set their own priorities. They can buy what they need and at the same time, money being spent locally will help to revitalize the economy of the area."
The future of aid in the region
Supplies, from hygiene kits to emergency shelter materials, have been distributed to more than 65,000 people. And the Red Cross has been able to supply nearly 1 million individuals with food. Safe drinking water has been supplied to tens of thousands in the area. The IFRC is also implementing a cash grant program that will reach an estimated 50,000 families in the Iloilo, Roxas, Tacloban, Ormoc and Antinque regions.
However, two of the largest challenges still facing the Red Cross are shelter and debris clearance. The IFRC hopes to solve the latter in part through a cash for work program, which will enlist 3,000 people to clear streets south of Palo Leyte.
You can donate today and help the Canadian Red Cross to continue to provide humanitarian aid to those impacted by Typhoon Haiyan. While recovery has begun, there's still an immense amount of work to be done.
Note: The following appeal is now closed. You can support our ongoing work by donating to the Canadian Red Cross.