Typhoon Ondoy Devastates Luzon

Sep28

Typhoon Ondoy Devastates Luzon

by Clarissa

Over the weekend, the non- stop rains and strong winds brought by Tropical Storm Ondoy to Metro Manila and its surrounding areas have claimed over 140 lives, with 32 still reported missing. Widespread flooding has made roads impassable, stranding thousands of commuters, and has displaced over 400,000 families from their homes.

Although the weather has subsided as Typhoon Ondoy continues its drift outward to the South China Sea, the worst is not yet over. Many areas which were in the path of the storm are still without electricity and water. Scores of families are living in make-shift shelters with limited facilities and personnel. There is deep concern about the spread of diseases as a result of the overflowing of canals and creeks with contaminated water.

The economic and social impact on the Philippines is severe. With already very scarce human and financial resources, all those involved in relief efforts are urging everyone to do what they can to help, especially calling out to Filipino expatriates. OFW’s have traditionally been our country’s heroes by sending home billions of dollars in remittances, propping up the economy as a result. Now more than ever there is a dire need to reach out and do what we can to aid our kababayans who have suffered greatly due to this calamity.

If you would like to donate any of the disaster relief programs set up to help all the victims of Typhoon Ondoy, please click on the following links:

http://www.redcross.org.ph/

You can donate using your Smart or Globe phone. Here are the instructions posted by the Philippine Red Cross

Please help and donate to Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) victims

to Donate to? the Philippine National Red Cross, from your SMART phone text RED 25 to 4483

from GLOBE phone text RED 25 to 2899

International Donors: For American Red Cross, call 1800-4357669