Super Typhoon Haiyan, also known as Typhoon Yolanda, laid waste to the Philippines on Nov. 8, killing an estimated 10,000 people. Officials expect that millions will need basic aid during the developing rescue and recovery process, and there will be billions of dollars in damage to infrastructure and homes.
Survivors are currently begging for help and scavenging for food, water and medicine. President Benigno Aquino declared a national state of calamity, and deployed hundreds of soldiers to the city of Tacloban to hinder looting, according to The Chicago Tribune.
There are many organizations that will be aiding in the extensive recovery effort. You can help by donating to any one of the organizations listed below, according to CBS News:
1. The International Rescue Committee (IRC)- The IRC responds to humanitarian crises by helping people rebuild their lives. They are sending teams to assist in the rescue and eventual rebuilding effort in the Philippines. Check out their website here.
2. Doctors Without Borders- Doctors Without Borders works in around 70 countries to provide medical aid to those in need, and are always involved in helping disaster survivors with urgent medical care. See their website here.
3. The Red Cross- The Red Cross works globally to provide humanitarian aid to people affected by conflict, armed violence and natural disasters. The Philippines Red Cross is helping families reconnect with missing family members and providing food and medical care. Their website is here.
4. The Mercy Corps- The Mercy Corps sends emergency responders to meet urgent humanitarian needs of survivors. They will provide food, shelter, water and other basic necessities. Look at their website here.
5. Save the Children- Save the Children helps children and families affected by disasters. They are currently assisting in the Philippines. Check out the website here.
6. The United Nations' Children's Fund (UNICEF)- UNICEF is sending relief supplies to the Philippines. They report that four million children could be affected by the disaster. See their website here.
7. The International Medical Corps' Emergency Response Fund- The Fund is a humanitarian nonprofit organization that is dedicated to saving lives and aiding those affected by disasters through health care and development programs. They are sending teams to the Philippines. See their website here.
8. The mGive Foundation- The mGive Foundation is collecting donations from U.S. wireless subscribers. You can text AID to 80108 to give a $10 donation to the organization's Philippines Typhoon Disaster Relief Fund. Charges will appear on a wireless bill or will be deducted from a prepaid balance.
To ensure that other organizations are legitimate, check their credibility at the Charity Navigator (https://www.charitynavigator.org/), which evaluates the efficiency of more than 5,500 organizations.