From staff reports:
Super Typhoon Haiyan’s devastation has left the Philippines in a state of emergency, and many Washingtonians are mobilizing to help.
Initial reports indicate that as many as up to 10,000 may have been killed by Typhoon Haiyan, which struck Nov. 8. Early estimates believe 600,000 have been displaced.
Sofia Aragan, the state chair of the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs and a first-generation Filipino, said that the Filipino community of Washington has already mobilized to help thousands of people.
“There are more than 90,000 Filipino Americans residing in Washington, this natural disaster affects countless members of our community,” she said in a press release. “A heartfelt thank you to those working to raise funds, collect donated goods and provide direct aid to survivors of Typhoon Haiyan.”
Gov. Jay Inslee said the contributions of the Filipino community helped build Washington state and make it stronger both culturally and economically.
“Now we have an opportunity to stand together with the people of the Philippines and support them during this time of dire need,” Inslee said in a press release. “There are various organizations doing great work providing critical aid and assistance to the victims of this tragedy, and I encourage Washingtonians to give as they are able in support of these humanitarian efforts. With help from the global community, the people of the Philippines will get through these extremely difficult times.”
How to help
• Philippine Red Cross: www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow
• World Vision: As already reported in The Mirror, World Vision has teams and relief supplies on the way to the Philippines already. Visit www.worldvision.org for more information.
• EMPACT Northwest: A Tacoma-based organization, EMPACT is deploying medical and rescue teams. Visit www.empactnorthwest.org/empact-disaster-packed-philippines/
• Filipino Community of Seattle: A disaster relief event is scheduled for Nov. 22 at 6 p.m. Visit www.fcseattle.org or call (206) 722-9372.
• CARE: Visit www.care.org/emergencies/typhoon-haiyan for more information.
• Comcast: Is offering the Filipino Channel free until Nov. 18. Tune to Channel 241.
• Feed the Hungry Inc.: www.feedthehungryphil.org.
• Google Person Finder: Google’s website google.org/personfinder/2013-yoland allows for people to attempt to reconnect with loved ones and friends in the wake of disasters like Typhoon Haiyan
• Mercy Corps: Visit www.mercycorps.org/typhoon or call 1-800-292-3355
• National Alliance for Filipino Concerns: Visit www.nafconusa.org/2013/11/anakbayan-seattle-fundraising-for-the-nafcon-bayanihan-relief-effort.
• Washington State Combined Fund Drive: Visit www.cfd.wa.gov/cfd/Rise-Up-Campaign.aspx.
