Typhoon Haiyan, known in the Philippines as Yolanda, made landfall last week, bringing wind speeds higher than 230 mph and a storm surge of more than 10 feet. The death toll, currently confirmed at more than 1,000 is expected to rise.
Heifer Philippines Country Director Herc Paradiang reports that all Heifer staff members are reported safe and several are en route to the central region to assess the damage to our five projects in the areas most heavily affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan.
A second team was expected to be deployed from the southern region but is delayed due to Tropical Depression Zoraida. Due to fallen trees and other debris clogging the roads, it could take longer than expected for the team to reach the project sites.
Heifer staff anticipate project participants suffered significant loss of property, including houses and livestock.
Mabe Basco, Heifer’s administrative manager based in Manila reported that the most urgent needs were for food, water, clothing and medicine.
Heifer International is working to provide that relief to our 4,000 affected project participants as soon as possible with the aid of other organizations and the local government.
In addition to short-term help in the form of food, water and building materials for shelter, Heifer International will provide long-term assistance to help farmers overcome poverty permanently and grow more resilient in the face of disasters. As we work in places vulnerable to natural disasters, crisis preparedness is part of the training we provide.
?”Our thoughts and prayers are with the families in the Philippines during this difficult time,” said Pierre Ferrari, President & CEO of Heifer International.
You can directly support our farmers in the Philippines by donating at http://www.heifer.org/haiyan and keep up to date about Heifer participants at our the World Ark Blog.
About Heifer International:
Heifer’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in 30 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant. For more information, visit www.heifer.org or call 1-800-696-1918.
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