Typhoon Haiyan: Samaritan's Purse in Philippines Aiding Survivors, Calls for Prayers

By Luke Leung

In the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, Christians in the United States are making immediate responses to help alleviate the pains and sufferings of the survivors in the eastern-central Philippines that are hit hard by the strongest storm ever recorded.

Typhoon Haiyan
Typhoon Haiyan Erik De Castro/Reuters.

Samaritan's Purse, a non-denominational evangelical Christian organization, has deployed disaster response specialists and water and nutrition experts to the region hard-hit by the Typhoon to assess the catastrophe.

"The damage is extensive. Some areas the whole cities are missing or very badly damaged," said Patrick Seger, team leader for the response, according to Samaritan's Purse. "Many areas hardest hit are without electricity, without water, they are without food. These people are really struggling at this point and need everything."

The ministry has bases already setup from previous typhoon and earthquake disaster efforts in Philippines, so they have already began coordinating with local churches to deliver relief to those most in need. Community water filters, protective tarps, blankets, hygiene kits, and emergency family food packets are being rushed to the survivors.

In addition, Samaritan's Purse plans to send emergency supplies on a 747 cargo jet from the ministry's headquarter in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Cebu City, according to Samaritan's Purse. The cargo will carry at least 1,000 rolls of plastic for temporary shelters, as well as community water filtration systems, blankets, medical supplies, and hygiene kits.

"As we continue to find the communities that have been devastated, we look for your prayers to lift us up in the work we're doiong," Jeremy Kilday, project manager of Typhoon Haiyan disaster relief, said. "Prayers that the people would not be lost in the devastation, that they would be able to stand again and be able to find hope."

Philippines lies in the path of strong typhoons. Last year, Samaritan's Purse responded to a typhoon that caused at least 1,900 deaths and widespread destructions.

Donations for Typhoon Haiyan disaster relief can be made through Samaritan's Purse website.

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