MANILA (Nov. 20, 2013) — Families devastated by Typhoon Haiyan are joining CARE’s aid distribution efforts in central Philippines, as communities previously cut off receive critical food and supplies.
More than 4,000 people have been confirmed dead. And an estimated 13 million people have been affected by the typhoon, with 4 million forced from their homes — more than the entire population of Oregon.
David Gazashvili, who is leading CARE’s Typhoon Haiyan emergency response effort, said local volunteers had been crucial in helping to get food to people as quickly as possible. “Many of the volunteers who are helping our teams have themselves lost loved ones, had their homes destroyed and their lives torn apart,” Gazashvili said. “Yet they are here, helping us get urgent food and supplies to fellow survivors. Their resilience and concern for their community has been incredible to see.”
Gazashvili said with the support of volunteers, CARE relief packages which include rice, canned fish, corned beef and biscuits were now reaching communities that had been virtually cut off since Typhoon Haiyan hit. “Each day the number of families who have received critical assistance grows, and communities previously cut off by impassable roads now have assistance coming in. By Thursday we will have reached all 16 remote baranguays (villages) around Ormoc, delivering crucial food aid to more than 24,000 people.”
In the coming days CARE and our partners will be distributing food and shelter packs in villages throughout Leyte, Panay and Samar. CARE has launched a $12 million appeal, with a goal of reaching at least 200,000 people. “This work will be essential in saving lives, preventing sickness and ensuring families have the supplies to begin the process of rebuilding their lives,” Gazashvili said.
A donation of $120 can provide 10 food packages for families, $240 can provide materials for eight emergency shelters and $420 can provide food and shelter packages to 10 families. People wishing to support families affected by Typhoon Haiyan can donate at www.care.org.
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Media Contacts:
- Nicole Harris, +1.404.735.0871, nharris@care.org
- Brian Feagans, +1.404.979.9453, bfeagans@care.org
About CARE:
CARE has worked in the Philippines since 1949, providing emergency relief when disaster strikes and helping communities prepare for disasters. CARE’s past responses in the Philippines have included Typhoon Bopha in 2012 and Typhoon Ketsana in 2009.
Founded in 1945 with the creation of the CARE Package®, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. CARE has more than six decades of experience delivering emergency aid during times of crisis. Our emergency responses focus on the needs of the most vulnerable populations, particularly girls and women. Last year CARE worked in 84 countries and reached more than 83 million people around the world. To learn more, visit www.care.org.