Super-Typhoon Haiyan Impacts Philippines
TORONTO – Thousands of people are feared dead in Super-Typhoon Haiyan. The storm surged across the Philippines Islands where many of the homes were destroyed. Rescue operations are slow to move in the aftermath of the storm.
The full scope of the disaster is still unknown. The numbers of total victims are expected to rise. Rescuers are still working into the night and are finding more injured and killed. The official death toll from the Philippine Government is 140 people. The speed of reporting is far slower for the government as they are documenting who the dead are before confirming the totals.
The Canadian Red Cross reports, “The Philippine Red Cross has been on the highest alert since the typhoon was sighted, pre-positioning supplies, helping with evacuation plans and warning communities. Today, they are working to meet the needs of individuals affected by the storm.
Canadians wishing to help individuals affected by this storm are encouraged to make a financial donation online, at their local Red Cross office or by calling 1-800-418-1111. Please earmark donations “Typhoon Haiyan”. Funds will be used to support Red Cross efforts in all countries affected by the storm.
Donations to the Canadian Red Cross can be made online: www.redcross.ca/donate/donate-online/donate-to-the-typhoon-haiyan-fund
Government of Canada Statement
Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and Minister for La Francophonie, and Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular) issued the following statement:
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this powerful storm and Canada stands ready to support relief efforts and provide humanitarian assistance as required,” said Minister Paradis. “We are in close contact with government authorities as well as humanitarian actors on the ground and Canadian field staff in the Philippines providing regular updates directly to my office.”
Thousands have already been evacuated, and with the help of Canadian and UN assistance, the local government has taken precautions in order to help deal with the effects of the typhoon, including the stockpiling of food, water, temporary shelter and medicines to mount an effective response. Canadian officials in Ottawa and at our embassy in Manila are in close contact with Filipino authorities and will continue to monitor the impact of the typhoon,” said Minister Yelich. “Canada stands ready to provide emergency consular assistance as required.”
Canadians Can Find Help
Canadian citizens in the Philippines requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Canadian embassy in Manila at (02) 857-9000 or Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre by dialing 1-800-1-110-0226 (toll-free within the Philippines if calling from a landline) or 001-613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted where available).
Friends and relatives in Canada concerned for Canadian citizens they believe to be in the affected area should contact Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa by calling toll-free 1-800-387-3124 or 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted) or sending an email to sos@international.gc.ca.
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