Church of Ireland Typhoon Haiyan Appeal
The Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal has launched an appeal to help those affected by Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, thought to be the strongest storm in recorded history.
Further heavy rains forecast for the southern Philippines over the next 48 hours could seriously affect the progress of the huge emergency response in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.
Archbishop Richard Clarke and Archbishop Michael Jackson sanctioned the release of emergency funds and are urging churches to prioritize responding to the disaster.
An estimated 9.5 million people have already been affected across nine regions and almost 620,000 people have been made homeless, according to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Lifelines such as power and communications, roads, bridges and ports have already been severely damaged, hindering the ability of aid workers to reach remote communities.
There are reports of catastrophic damage: flash floods, landslides, collapsing buildings, trees and power lines uprooted. Stadium roofs where hundreds were sheltering have been ripped off and cars have been tossed around by the typhoon. Eye witness accounts from Tacloban, one of the worst–hit areas, describe Tacloban City as “flattened”. There is no clean water, no electricity and very little food.
€25 / £21 could provide a month’s emergency food for three families who have lost everything
€47 / £40 could buy essentials for a family whose home has been destroyed – tarpaulin and blankets, medicine, cooking equipment, buckets, candles and a torch
€118 / £100 could provide 50 families with hygiene kits for families, to prevent the spread of disease
If you wish to donate please send funds to: Church of Ireland Bishops’ Appeal, Church House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6 or call 00353 1 4125610 for more details.