An international response including Catholic relief organizations mobilized to assist victims after a typhoon tore through the midsection of the Philippines island chain on Nov. 7, causing thousands of deaths and widespread devastation that hampered efforts to bring aid to survivors.
Relief agency representatives provided an update to CHA members during a Nov. 12 teleconference. "People do not have shelter; they do not have water; they do not have food," said Michele Broemmelsiek, Catholic Relief Services' vice president of overseas operations. In the immediate wake of the storm, work was being done to reunite family members, establish communications services, restore power and clear roads. "We're all having great difficulty getting around," she said.
Several Catholic health systems and hospitals said during the conference call that they were holding Masses and prayer services and collecting money to send to the Philippines. Broemmelsiek said the monetary donations are more helpful than donated goods because the money will be spent on supplies that are most needed. There has been increased awareness in recent years that sending disaster relief supplies, rather than cash, overseas can be problematic for relief agencies, as it's difficult to transport and properly direct so many goods to the exact locations where items are needed in an emergency.
While some systems have contacted CHA about sending doctors or nurses, Broemmelsiek said there are skilled staff in the Philippines who can respond to medical needs.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops asked individual parishes to take up a collection on the weekend of Nov. 16 and 17 or Nov. 30 and Dec. 1 with donations to go to Catholic Relief Services for use in Philippines relief efforts.
To donate to Typhoon Haiyan relief efforts, visit the websites of Catholic Relief Services, Caritas Internationalis, or the Catholic Medical Mission Board. "Disaster Response: Considerations for Catholic Health Care," a CHA resource, is posted online.