5 Things We Can Do to Help Typhoon Survivors

Ground Zero - Super Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan, a category 5 tropical cyclone, just hit the country. Our countrymen in the Visayas region are struggling right now. Many have lost their homes, livelihood, and properties, many their entire families. Thousands of dead bodies are strewn along the country side while thousands more are still missing. But the most painful feeling for the survivors is guilt, the guilt of having survived.

Many are so devastated, coupled with hunger and hopelessness that they have decided to take desperate measures like looting. Anarchy and violence has spread throughout Tacloban. Even initial aid convoys from agencies like Red Cross have been attacked and ransacked.

Seeing the pictures of destruction and death you tell yourself, “This isn’t real! This only happens in apocalyptic Hollywood movies!” You close your eyes hoping that when you do open them up, all this was just a nightmare. But the truth remains, a truth we all have to face as a nation. 

Here are the 5 things we can do to help:

1. Let’s give what we can

These are the following things they desperately need:

a. Drinking water – dehydration is a constant threat to the survivors, that is why drinking water is a priority

For those who want to go the extra mile buy a device called LifeStraw. This device filters water from any source.

b. Clothes and underwear – our countrymen had all their clothing washed away. They need clothes and underwear. The Red Cross only gives clothes that are suitable for the Philippine climate. Do not give clothes that are too thick. Also, do not give clothes that are too intimate/revealing - something you cannot wear in an evacuation center. Also, do not give clothes that are too dilapidated and can't be used anymore.

This is the cold season, go the extra mile and send tons of blankets to help keep them warm.

c. Canned food and rice – food that won’t expire and won’t require water is a must. Biscuits and ready to eat food are highly favourable. Starvation drives honourable men to do dishonourable things for their family, for their children. High energy food will greatly help.

d. Medicine and antibacterial soap– people have been sick for days. Some need antibiotics for the gashes and wounds they sustained during the storm. People don’t need cosmetic soap! They need anti-bacterial soap!

e. Tents – with no suitable shelter, people are huddling under whatever they can. Nothing is shielding them from the elements.

f. Solar chargers, solar powered flashlights, candles, water proof matches – nights seem darker for the survivors.

2. Our 13th month – every amount counts. Maybe that new iPhone 5S you planned on buying can wait. That sacrifice can go a long way for people who are in need.

3. Christmas budget – maybe this Christmas season our relatives wouldn’t mind if all we can give are simple gifts/tokens of appreciation this year. I’m pretty sure Jesus wouldn’t mind if we used the money we have for helping our brethren, it is after all His birthday. Christmas isn’t about the gifts but the spirit of giving and being with the people you love.

4. Our time and strength – let’s go the extra mile to help. If we have given the things above, good for you, but if you haven’t, we can always help in the packing of the goods. Extra hands are always welcome in times like this because the time we give shortens the length of suffering for the survivors. We can also take our Vacation Leaves and go to these places and share our expertise. Currently Cebu Pacific and Air Asia Zest are giving out promo flights to assist volunteers and NGOs wanting to help.

We can also be creative in establishing businesses and fund raisers that will help generate the necessary funds to help. Hey even these two young girls are doing it, why can’t we?

5. Use social media – Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tumbler, Youtube all these social media sites can help spread the news and information across the globe.

All these things will help the survivors not only physically but psychologically as well. The knowledge and realization that someone cares is enough for people to hope and be encouraged. This is just the beginning, the first step in a long road to recovery; yes, things will never be the same for the survivors and the country but hopefully for the better. May this calamity unite us all, set aside our selfishness and awaken our nationalism. We are a resilient people, we will recover and stand stronger than ever before. 

Mabuhay Pilipinas!