Typhoon Haiyan Typhoon Haiyan: Aid reaches people in disaster zones

Germany’s Relief Coalition expands emergency aid

Moritz Wohlrab of Aktion Deutschland Hilft (Germany’s Relief Coalition) reports from Northern Cebu on the Philippines: „Up to 90 per cent of houses in this area have been destroyed. Hundreds of children are lining the road on which we are traveling, holding up signs and begging, ‚We need food!‘ – ‘We need water!‘ – ‘Help us!‘“. Member organizations of the relief coalition are working to get the help that is needed on its way – water, food, blankets, tents, medical supplies.

Several German relief workers from member organizations of Aktion Deutschland Hilft (Germany’s Relief Coalition) who are already in the area are meeting on Thursday to exchange information on the situation and to determine possible cooperations. – Two water purification plants provided by arche noVa have just arrived in Manila. They will produce 500 l of water per hour and thus provide drinking water for 10.000 people per day. The transport to their final destination in the disaster zone is in process. Handicap International is constructing a distribution center and will shortly begin distributing non-food items and shelter kits containing materials for the construction of emergency accomodations.

„The sympathy and compassion of the German people go out to the people in the Philippines. As of this day, our coalition has received 3.5 million Euros in donations. Considering the great number of people affected by the typhoon – 11 million – , this is a cornerstone of the emergency relief provided by our member organizations. We accept donations by money transfer, telephone, and online on our website,“ explains Manuela Roßbach, Executive Director of Aktion Deutschland Hilft (Germany’s Relief Coalition).