Philipines Typhoon appeal

Our prayers are with our partners and the people of the Philippines after Super Typhoon Haiyan struck last Friday, killing, injuring and displacing thousands of people and destroying whole communities.

We remain in close contact with our partner church, the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) and our volunteers. They are reporting back with scenes of complete devastation – entire communities have been damaged, whole families lost and livelihoods destroyed.

We are seeking support for emergency relief efforts to respond to critical needs. We are also working through the ACT Alliance network to facilitate relief efforts through local implementing partners.

Said UnitingWorld National Director Kerry Enright;

“People in the Philippines are familiar with natural disasters but this is on an unprecedented scale.  We are shocked by the extent of the damage and the impact on people and their communities.  We need to stand with our partner and the people of the Philippines with prayer and practical support at this time.”

UnitingWorld is currently taking donations for our Philippine Emergency Relief Appeal. All funds raised will be used to support relief work and ongoing needs as they arise.

Please click here to make a secure online tax deductible donation to UnitingWorld. Or call them on 1800 998 122.

Updates

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council assessment indicates almost 4.5 million people have been significantly impacted by the typhoon in 36 provinces. There are currently more than 400,000 people staying in evacuation centers, many with no homes to return to.

Estimates suggest around 2,000 fatalities as at 13 November.

Relief efforts have been hampered by limited communication and the lack of information from many remote communities.

UnitingWorld’s partner the United Church of Christ has a significant presence in most of the affected areas and is attempting to make contact with pastors and church workers in isolated areas.

Resources

UnitingWorld’s Rev Dr Ji Zhang has prepared a Worship Resource for congregations to use this Sunday in response to Typhoon Haiyan.

The resource is available for download here. Please feel free to share!