On Friday, the largest typhoon to make landfall in history devastated six Philippine islands. Typhoon Haiyan ravaged homes and buildings with hurricane force winds and flash-floods. The typhoon is now estimated to have taken as many as 10,000 lives and left thousands homeless. An estimated 1.5 million children have been affected by the super storm. Accurate estimates have been hampered by the downing of all communications in many of the areas that were affected. Relief efforts have also been delayed by the storm, as many roadways are flooded. At least 36 provinces throughout the Philippines have seen damage from the storm.
Even as the provinces attempt to recover from the storm, another storm looms on the horizon, and could make landfall in the already devastated area on Tuesday or Wednesday. While this latest storm is not expected to be quite as powerful as Haiyan, it could reach tropical storm status, bringing large amounts of rainfall that could mean even more flash floods and mudslides.
Relief Efforts under Way
The United States has pledged at least $100,000 to bring healthcare, sanitation, and clean water to areas that have been affected. The United Nations World Food Programme has also allocated $2 million dollars to help those in need. Google has allowed use of its newly developed personfinder, which helps to locate living persons that may be trapped under rumble. Also joining the efforts are Unicef, American Red Cross, Catholic Relief Services, and World Vision.