05 December 2013

   

As has been previously reported, the medical team – consisting of Salvation Army personnel and representatives from the Christian Medical and Dental Association of the USA (CMDA) – is working in an area called Dulag. The team is rotating between six barangays (the Filipino word for a small administrative district) but has been asked by the mayor's office in Dulag to spread their work to other parts of the area.

Plans are in place to extend the medical service to Nula Tula, and an expected increase in personnel will allow the team to split and cover two places simultaneously.

The Salvation Army has been asked by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to assess the situation at some of the smaller evacuation sites on Leyte Island. The bigger ones seem to receive regular food assistance but it appears that the smaller ones have been overlooked.

In the meantime, food pack distribution continues in various parts of Tacloban, with 131 families assisted in one day and an additional 375 scheduled to be helped at two locations the following day.

Emergency Services field operator Damaris Frick shares, “We have received information that some of the smaller islands have not received any assistance. We have therefore requested transportation through the United Nations Humanitarian Air Services to do an initial needs assessment and, if necessary, plan a distribution.”

Away from Leyte, assistance continues to be given to communities in Cebu, Panay Island and other places that suffered typhoon damage.  Photos of The Salvation Army's response in the Philippines can be viewed HERE.

      

Special Electronic Edition of WAR CRY

The Salvation Army National Headquarters (USA) recently published a special, electronic version of its popular 'War Cry' magazine, focused solely on recovery after Typhoon Haiyan, prepared by Major Allen Satterlee, Editor-in-Chief and National Literary Secretary.  

Major Satterlee writes, “By reading and sharing the special edition, viewers can gain a better sense of how The Salvation Army is helping alleviate the suffering of those who have lost everything in this monster typhoon. Viewers will also learn of the daunting obstacles Army personnel must overcome as they provide immediate and long term aid. Links provided will enable viewers to donate to support to those who are helping. The electronic edition includes an interview with Philippines Territorial Commander Colonel Wayne Maxwell, a map of the Philippines, country characteristics and a synopsis of the Army's history in this island nation.”  

This special online edition is available HERE.

How to Make a Donation

There are three ways donors from the Northwest can contribute money to The Salvation Army relief effort in the Philippines:  

1. Make an online donation HERE 
2. By phone: 1-800-SAL-ARMY – designate gift for ‘Typhoon Haiyan.’
3. Text the word “TYPHOON” to 80888 to make a $10 donation. Confirm when prompted with “yes.”  A one-time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance. Message & data rates may apply. Available on Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile. Must be 18 or older or have authorization of account holder. Donations benefit Salvation Army, collected by Innogive Foundation. Subject to terms: igfn.org/t. Privacy policy: igfn.org/p. Text STOP to 80888 to stop; Text HELP to 80888 for help.

Salvation Army units throughout the world are on standby and ready to help. At this time, The Salvation Army is not accepting in-kind donations from the general public for disaster relief operations in the Philippines. It is more efficient for disaster relief agencies to purchase needed resources locally and for immediate distribution with the disaster area. The best way for donors to help survivors is to make a cash donation. 

For the most current information about Salvation Army disaster relief efforts, please visit our blog HERE