On Friday November 8, 2013, Typhoon Haiyan – locally known as Yolanda – created widespread destruction across the Philippines, affecting 11.2 million people, leaving lives and homes destroyed.
One month on, as relief efforts continue, humanitarian operations are now moving into early recovery. Together with the Philippine Red Cross, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has been striving to support hundreds of thousands of people in the communities hit hardest by this devastating disaster.
Immediately following the disaster, Red Cross volunteers in the Philippines and across affected communities rapidly mobilized to support disaster response operations. Now, one month later, 6,233 volunteers are working with the Philippine Red Cross to deliver crucial assistance to those in need. This includes distributing items such as food packages, hot meals, water, hygiene kits, and medical support. In addition, the Philippine Red Cross continues to work closely with the International Committee of the Red Cross to help people re-establish contact with family members who have been separated by Haiyan.
Working closely with a number of National Societies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has deployed 12 Emergency Response Units, one of which is the Canadian Red Cross field hospital.
Shortly after the devastating typhoon made landfall in the Philippines, the Canadian Red Cross deployed its emergency field hospital along with 28 highly-trained personnel. This hospital can be set up quickly and cover the health needs of a population of more than 100,000 people.
The field hospital was set up in the city of Ormoc, in front of the local district hospital which was only operating at 20 per cent capacity after it was badly damaged by the typhoon. Within 48-hours of arrival in the city of Ormoc, Red Cross staff began treating patients. Very quickly, the Red Cross field hospital became primarily a maternal and child operation.
With the facilities of the field hospital operating at full capacity, the public hospital - which serves as the only public secondary-level care facility for a population of 190,000 people, and as a referral hospital for a broader region - is now able to provide care to 150-200 inpatients per day. This has returned the hospital to its pre-typhoon capacity. In the two weeks before the delivery and surgery capacity reopened in the local district hospital, the Canadian Red Cross field hospital carried out 157 deliveries and 51 surgeries. The hospital is supported by personnel and material from both the Norwegian Red Cross and Hong Kong Red Cross.
As a part of the Red Cross family, the Canadian Red Cross has a long-standing history of providing solidarity and support and we are committed to working with the Philippine Red Cross as they continue to respond and help survivors recover from this disaster.
Canadians wishing to help those affected by this storm are encouraged to make a financial donation online at www.redcross.ca, at their local Red Cross office or by calling 1-800-418-1111. Please earmark donations “Typhoon Haiyan”. The Government of Canada will match the donations of individual Canadians between November 8 and December 23, 2013.
One month donor report