Tacloban : The typhoon barreled through six central Philippine islands on Friday November 8, some 11 million people have been affected by the typhoon. Although the official death toll stands at more than 2,357. Local officials and aid workers fear it could rise much higher.
Most of the deaths and destruction were on Leyte Island, where Tacloban is located.
Relief groups have made online appeals for financial help and contributions but experts have suggested, that a massive disasters such as Typhoon Haiyan, it would not be advisable to send rummage sale clothes, old toys and supplies that will only pile up and worsen the weakened economy.
A Red Cross official says the agency buys goods locally or domestically after disasters to help revive the economy, curb transportation costs and guaranteed culturally appropriate items are being used.
Thus they urged to those who want make a donation help by sending cash to a charity with a proven track record.
On the other hand a Mass burial was conducted on a hillside cemetery on Thursday November 14, although small sign of progress in a relief effort that has yet to reach most of the tens of thousands affected by the disaster.
The Mass burial took place in a graveyard just outside the city of Tacloban. Prayers were not said, as workers buried 30 bodies enclosed in leaking black corpse bags into the ground.
Mayor Alfred Romualdez said, “I hope this is the last time I see something like this, when I look at this it just reminds me of what has happened from the day the storm hit until today.”
As part of relief operations, the first night time flights – of C-130 transport planes – arrived since the typhoon struck. The air control system has advised to conduct a 24/7 operation as it is essential for the massive relief operation. Food, water and medical supplies from the U.S., Malaysia and Singapore have been provided.
It is also learnt that the U.N.’s World Food Program distributed rice along with 10 tons of high-energy biscuits and other items to nearly 50,000 people in the Tacloban area on Wednesday November 14.
Sources say after touring Talcoban , U.N. humanitarian chief Valerie Amos has released $25 million in emergency relief funds, accounting for a chunk of the millions of dollars pledged by countries around the world.
The medical services and the health of, hundreds of injured people, pregnant women, children and the elderly have poured into a makeshift medical center at the ruined airport as there is no remains of infrastructure.
Doctors are dealing with cuts, fractures and pregnancy complications as well as serious problems such as pneumonia, dehydration, diarrhea and infections.
