The U.S. and other governments and agencies are mounting a major relief effort to help victims of the Philippine typhoon.
Brian Goldbeck, acting ambassador at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, issued a disaster declaration to provide an immediate $100,000 for relief efforts. Officials from the U.S. Agency for International Development are deployed around the country to monitor the damage.
Other charities working to provide relief in the Philippines include:
— The United Nations World Food Programme, which says it has allocated $2 million for the disaster response. WFP officials joined an assessment mission to survey damage in Leyte and Samar provinces and the agency says it will send more than 40 tons of high-energy biscuits and will work with the Filipino government to help with logistics and emergency communications systems. It asks for donations at www.wfpusa.org or by texting the word AID to 27722 to instantly donate $10.
— UNICEF, which says it is repositioning its staff in the Philippines to help in relief efforts and is sending 66 tons of emergency supplies. An airlift set to arrive on Tuesday will include water purification systems, storage equipment and sanitation supplies. Donations may be made at unicef.org/support.
— The American Red Cross, which says it has deployed two staffers to assist with assessments in the Philippines and activated its family tracing services. It asks those who want to support relief efforts to mail a check to their local American Red Cross chapter, with “Philippines Typhoons and Flood” in the memo line. Go to redcross.org for local chapter information or redcross.org.ph to donate directly to the Philippine Red Cross.
— Catholic Relief Services, which is accepting donations on its website, emergencies.crs.org, as it begins moving supplies and staff to respond to the typhoon.
— World Vision, which says it is putting together resources to assist 1.2 million people, including food, hygiene kits, emergency shelter and protection. It asks for one-time donations to be made at worldvision.org.
— The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, which has begun collecting donations for relief efforts. To contribute, go to www.jdc.org or call 212-687-6200.
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