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Typhoon Haiyan devastates the Philippines

Typhoon Haiyan shred through the central Philippines on Nov. 8th, and was one of the most devastating storms recorded.

Photo credit- cnn.com
Photo credit- cnn.com

This storm is known to the Filipinos as Typhoon Yolanda, and had winds three and a half times stronger than Hurricane Katrina, leaving whole villages flattened. This typhoon has been estimated to have destroyed around 70 to 80 percent of the structures it encountered. On Thursday morning, the death toll was 2,357, with 77 reported missing and 3,800 injured. More than 600,000 have lost their homes, and according to the UN, this typhoon has affected 11 million people.

This typhoon has led to chaos in the streets, caused by growing panic and desperation. Around 15 miles from Tacloban, a mob stormed a rice warehouse and carried off 100,000 bags of rice, crushing eight people to death in the process. At San Juanico, another city,  gunfire broke up on Wednesday, but the circumstances of this are unclear, although it was between armed men and security. Groups of thieves have been robbing shops and the homes of the people who have died or left. In addition, the desperation for water has led others to dig up underground pipes and break them open to get water.

Aid is being provided from many different countries, and is being sent to the airport in Cebu, the center for the relief effort. Germany sent a portable purification plant, and Belgium has sent a field hospital. The United States has sent almost 274,000 pounds of supplies to Tacloban, including hygiene kits, plastic tarps, blankets, hygiene kits, and blankets. By the end of the week, hundreds of Marine is expected to arrive in order to help with the relief effort.

If you would like to help, you can donate money to many charities, including the Red Cross, UNICEF, and Doctors without Borders. A quick and easy way to help is through the Salvation Army, where you can text TYPHOON to 80888 in order to donate 10 dollars. With the worlds’ help and support, the Philippines will hopefully recover soon.

Written by Michelle Lin

Michelle Lin is currently a senior at Mt. Carmel High School. She is a staff writer and the Business Manager for the MC SUN. Michelle enjoys eating, napping and shopping at Trader Joes.

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