Faith-based ministries Samaritan's Purse and Habitat for Humanity are sending disaster relief to the Philippines after Typhoon Haiyan devastated its islands last Friday. The storm was one of the strongest in history, and has displaced nearly 600,000 people in the country.
The storm triggered landslides, uprooted trees, and destroyed homes and entire communities as it quickly moved across the archipelago.
Typhoon Haiyan hit the islands of Samar and Leyte, destroying much of Tacloban city last Friday with winds of up to 195 miles per hour and storm surges as high as 20 feet. According to Fox News, 600,000 people have been displaced, and there have been over 3,600 confirmed deaths and 12,000 injuries from the storm. The United States of America has sent over 1,000 troops and 190 tons of relief supplies to the country, and relief is coming to the country from several other countries around the world as well.
According to Habitat for Humanity, tens of thousands of homes have been either damaged or destroyed. The Christian organization is currently providing 30,000 home repair kits for families in need, and plans to assist as shelter needs in the community are made known and the necessary funding is provided. The non-profit has been helping rebuild homes in the Philippines since 1988.
Samaritan's Purse, a Christian organization which gives relief to those affected by natural disasters, famine, poverty, and war, has been operating in the Philippines for over 15 years. Samaritan's Purse meets both the physical and spiritual needs of those who are in dire circumstances - "No matter where we go or what we do, we offer more than help. We offer hope," their website reads - "To suffering people in a broken world, we share the news of the only One who can bring true peace-Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace."
In light of the devastation from Typhoon Haiyan, Samaritan's Purse has sent a Boeing 747 aircraft with 110 tons of supplies to the Philippine island of Cebu. Relief items include water filtration systems, medical supplies to help reopen a hospital in Tacloban, mosquito nets, and blankets. The Christian organization has also distributed thousands of parcels of food and hygiene products for those affected by the storm. Donations can be made to help support Philippine relief on their website.
General Jim Walker, of Samaritan's Purse, says "There is a great need and we are committed to meeting it." A 747 filled with 110 tons of supplies is leaving for the Philippine islands of Cebu and Bantayan.
