Worst Typhoon Ever To Make Landfall Hits The Philippines

[paigeyemps]

Hi guys. Last November 8th, a super typhoon equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane hit my country. (Take note that typhoons and hurricanes are the same thing.) It was the strongest typhoon ever to make landfall in recorded history—much stronger than Hurricane Katrina. As of now, there are approximately 10,000 people who died in just one island, plus thousands missing, and the numbers keep rising. My house wasn't hit too badly—I only suffered from a destroyed roof, chipped walls, missing fence and semi-uprooted trees while many of my neighbors suffered from much worse. I was lucky to not be directly hit, but I cannot say the same for many of my fellow countrymen. In the islands that were directly hit (the typhoon made landfall 5 times), there's currently no electricity, running water, food, shelter, or communication lines. There are also barely any means of transportation as the airports and harbors are completely wiped out, and the government is only communicating via satellite phones. Fires and riots break out and noone can put them out because there are no resources nor manpower that can help, as everyone there is either in shock, grieving, missing or dead. We've heard news that people have become violent and some have killed others just to obtain food and other resources. Some prisoners have also escaped and caused even more panic. I still haven't heard from many of my loved ones and it is estimated that it will take at least 2 months just to get the power back on in the areas that were badly hit. If you haven't heard, the same region of the country was also struck by a 7.1 magnitude earthquake just 3 weeks ago, and we have not even recovered from that yet. It has come to my attention that many people are not even aware of our situation. I would appreciate it greatly if you could spread the word to people you know, especially people you know can help. Relief efforts have been initiated, but we really need your prayers and support, or any means of help you can offer. Thank you. Pictures: http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/201...INES_HTML.html How to help: How to help Typhoon Haiyan survivors - CNN.com Other info: Typhoon Haiyan kills 10,000 in Philippines: live updates | World news | theguardian.com More than 100 dead after magnitude-7.1 earthquake hits the Philippines - CNN.com For more info, you can send me a pm.

[EbbTide000]

Do you have a PayPal acount? If your electricity goes you won't be able to recharge your phone or computer for us to contact you. Put you Paypal details here and we can sent you support.

[♥Mark]

These pages have some videos to give you an idea of how extensive the destruction is. Official: Over 10,000 feared dead in Typhoon Haiyan http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/11/wo...ref=world&_r=0 (Video's down a bit and along the left side on the second link)

[paigeyemps]

Do you have a PayPal acount? If your electricity goes you won't be able to recharge your phone or computer for us to contact you. Put you Paypal details here and we can sent you support. Thank you, Debra. However, the electricity here in my town is currently fine—it came back soon after the typhoon passed. You can click the first link in my previous post to know how you can support or send in donations to the areas that need it the most via private or government organizations and campaigns. Perhaps there's even one already in your area!

[paigeyemps]

Oh yeah, and this is what it's like if you were there:

[EbbTide000]

Good update: *** BBC News - Typhoon Haiyan: Philippines battles to bring storm aid ***

[VioletOrchid]

Oh, thank goodness you're okay. I logged into my account just to check up on you as soon as I heard. Good luck with everything.

[CanisLucidus]

I'm so, so glad you're okay, Paigey! I can't even imagine what this must be like. Please stay safe... we'll all be thinking of you! Thanks for the links. I'm going to go figure out what Wife and I can do to help!

[paigeyemps]

Oh, thank goodness you're okay. I logged into my account just to check up on you as soon as I heard. Good luck with everything. I'm surprised you remember where I am from, Vi! Thank you for your concern and I hope you're well too And where have you been! I've missed you in chat D: I'm so, so glad you're okay, Paigey! I can't even imagine what this must be like. Please stay safe... we'll all be thinking of you! Thanks for the links. I'm going to go figure out what Wife and I can do to help! Hey CL, I'll try to stay safe for sure—wouldn't wanna stop seeing all the dv drama hehehehe jk :} And no problem, this was the least I could do to help spread the word. It's really very very bad. I'm gonna try to balance my time between classes and volunteering to repack relief goods along with my friends. I'm just really glad my city wasn't hit as bad, otherwise helping the others would be much more difficult. It's so great to hear the other countries are helping a lot

[SnowyCat]

So how's the condition now? Have things gotten better (more or less)? I'm super happy you're safe and sound.

[paigeyemps]

So how's the condition now? Have things gotten better (more or less)? I'm super happy you're safe and sound. It's been 17 days and it's gotten a bit better. Many of the survivors have been relocated to other islands (mostly mine because we're closest and can accommodate) while their towns are being cleared and/or rebuilt slowly. There have been a lot of issues about the relief goods not reaching their destinations because the government is apparently doing funky stuff behind the scenes. *sigh* But anyway, a lot of international help has arrived and they are doing things with the least government involvement (private organizations, volunteer groups, etc) so that the aid reaches the people who need it the most. On another note, I have heard from some of my relatives and they're okay! Some communications companies have also helped (like Skype, Viber, etc.) by allowing users from my country to make international and local calls to normal landlines or cellphones for free! Isn't that kewl.

[TheBigZ]

It's been 17 days and it's gotten a bit better. Many of the survivors have been relocated to other islands (mostly mine because we're closest and can accommodate) while their towns are being cleared and/or rebuilt slowly. There have been a lot of issues about the relief goods not reaching their destinations because the government is apparently doing funky stuff behind the scenes. *sigh* But anyway, a lot of international help has arrived and they are doing things with the least government involvement (private organizations, volunteer groups, etc) so that the aid reaches the people who need it the most. On another note, I have heard from some of my relatives and they're okay! Some communications companies have also helped (like Skype, Viber, etc.) by allowing users from my country to make international and local calls to normal landlines or cellphones for free! Isn't that kewl. Sorry paigeyemps i haven't been on in a very long time its great to know you are okay

[paigeyemps]

Sorry paigeyemps i haven't been on in a very long time its great to know you are okay Hey TheBigZ, it's good to see you Haven't been very active on the forums lately either but I'm sure you've had some nice dreams. It's been a while sice I've read your workbook x) and thanks, it's great to be here