Roads blocked. Airports impaired. Heavy ships thrown inland. This is the destruction Typhoon Haiyan — the deadliest Philippine typhoon on record — caused on Nov. 8 to the island nation.
Many cities and towns experienced widespread destruction, with as much as 90 per cent of housing destroyed in some areas.
“I was wondering if the family’s okay,” Janelle Javier, a freshman, said when she first heard about the typhoon.
Because she has an aunt and cousins living in the Philippines, it’s difficult for her to know if they are truly safe.
Her grandmother, who has recently returned from the Philippines, brings a spark of hope to the family.
Not only did the typhoon have an impact with the Philippines, but it also hit China, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
With a death toll passing 6,000 and nearly 1,800 people missing, survivors are struggling with the basic necessities such as food, water and shelter.
Water and power supplies are cut.
Much of the food stocks and other goods are also destroyed.
Everyday about 20-30 people are found in the debris.
Hospitals are either shutdown or working at partial capacity, leaving many of the injured without medical assistance.
Today, temporary bunkhouses and emergency shelters are being constructed and residents are receiving money in exchange for work by hauling and packing relief goods.
Even with the bunkhouses that keep the survivors safe, many citizens are doing all they can to evacuate.
Javier is one of the lucky ones, for few people are able to connect with their families out in the Philippines.
At first, Javier was unable to reach her family when the typhoon struck.
But “now we can connect with them. I’m feeling okay, since I know they’re safe,” she said.
Many countries from around the world are sending cash donations and humanitarian aid/supplies to the Philippines, with Canada at the highest donation of $40 million and the United States at $37 million.
IKEA, Red Cross, and OCHA are a few out of many companies that are fundraising.
Even Stagg is working hard to make a difference.
Key Club had a divisional council meeting where students decided to have a fundraiser for the Philippines.
Yesterday they hosted a Lollicup social and toy drive, where 20 percent of the funds raised from Boba bought are going towards the Philippines.
Serving their home, school, and community, Key Club strives to give back.
Senior Maxine Contreras had an idea for ASB to fundraise as well for the Philippines.
The maximum amount of money they wish to receive is about $1,000 where half the money will be funded.
This will not be active until January.