LWR Responds to Super Typhoon Haiyan, Offers Resources
Super Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines on the morning of November 8 as one of the world’s most powerful storms on record to make landfall. The Category 5 typhoon made landfall near Leyte Province in Eastern Visayas Region causing massive destruction and loss of life. The storm hit with wind gusts up to 235 mph, nearly 16 inches of rainfall and waves up to 45 feet in some areas.The full extent of damage
across the Philippines is still difficult to determine due to
disruptions in communications. Access to storm‐affected areas is limited
as a result of flash floods, landslides, fallen trees, damaged roads
and downed power lines and telecommunications. An estimated 675,000
people are currently displaced, including nearly 400,000 people in more
than 1,300 evacuation centers. Reports indicate that approximately
10,000 people may have died as a result of the storm in Tacloban
municipality alone.
How is Lutheran World Relief Responding?
LWR's Philippines staff are now coordinating with our partners to mobilize staff and resources to respond to the most urgent needs.
- Shelter: LWR will provide shelter repair kits to families whose homes were damaged in the typhoon.
- Cash programs: LWR will employ residents of three municipalities in Northern Cebu in short-term work assignments removing debris from public spaces, helping to get cash into the hands of those who need it.
- Household supplies: LWR will provide families who have lost their belongings with essential household supplies such as cooking utensils and plates.
- Quilts and Kits: LWR is shipping Personal Care Kits, Baby Care Kits, School Kits and Quilts, which will be distributed to more than 26,000 families.
How Can I Get Involved?
There are several ways you can help respond to the needs of the people of the Philippines:
- Please pray for those affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan and for all who are working to respond in the aftermath of the storm.
- Give to the Philippines Typhoon fund. Your cash donations help LWR respond quickly to emerging needs on the ground. LWR accepts gifts online, by phone at (800) 597-5972 or by mail at Lutheran World Relief, P.O Box 17061, Baltimore MD 21297-1061.
- Please consider assembling Quilts and Kits so that we have stock to respond to this and other emerging situations around the world.
Click Here
for congregational resources including text for
bulletins/e-news/newsletter, a video of LWR's VP for International
Programs providing an update on our response, and bulletin inserts.
Also available: a Powerpoint, prayers/petitions, sermon starters, and a
children’s sermon.
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