On November 8, 2013, Typhoon Haiyan created widespread destruction across the Philippines, leaving a devastating impact that affected 16 million people. Two months later, the Red Cross continues to support affected individuals.
In the aftermath of the disaster, Red Cross has helped to prevent major disease outbreaks by providing emergency medical services through Basic Health Care Units, such as the Canadian Red Cross field hospital. The field hospital has been active in the city of Ormoc since mid-November and has admitted 1,226 patients, performed 114 surgeries and supported 418 deliveries.
In addition, the Red Cross has distributed more than 3.4 million litres of clean water to over 1.1 million people. To ensure that good health is maintained and disease is prevented, more than 138 Philippine Red Cross volunteers have been trained to work with local communities. More than 104,560 people have been reached with health and hygiene promotion.
Shelter remains one of the most urgent needs. With over a million homes damaged or destroyed, over 100,000 people remain in evacuation centres while almost 4 million people remain displaced.
To date, the Red Cross has provided over 324,000 households with emergency shelter materials, including tarpaulins, tents, tools and ropes. The focus is now on supporting families to rebuild their homes to a safer and higher standard. At this time, close to 30,000 households have been provided with roofing material, tool kits, cash and technical assistance.
As the focus now shifts from emergency relief to providing longer term support for recovery, food distributions will be phased out and the distribution of unconditional cash grants will be scaled up. To date, 14,845 families have received cash grants from the Red Cross. These grants are designed to support self-recovery, enabling people to prioritize their own needs.
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”.