Heifer International Assessing Typhoon Damage In Philippines

Little Rock-based international hunger relief organization, Heifer International, reports that its field staff in the Philippines are all accounted for, and it is working to assess damage to five field projects in the region.

Last week, killer Typhoon Haiyan wreaked havoc on the Asian-Pacific island nation. With 230 mph winds and storm surges topping 10 feet, the storm may have killed as many as 10,000 in its total path.

Heifer said on its World Ark Blog that project areas were “devastated” by the force of the storm.

”Our thoughts and prayers are with the families in the Philippines during this difficult time,” said Pierre Ferrari, President & CEO of Heifer International.

Heifer Philippines Country Director Herc Paradiang reported that all Heifer staff members are safe and several are en route to a central location to assess the damage to five projects in the areas most heavily affected by the typhoon.

A second team was expected to be deployed from the southern region, but is delayed due to Tropical Depression Zoraida, Heifer said. Due to fallen trees and other debris clogging the roads, it could take longer than expected for the team to reach the project sites.

Heifer has been undertaking a number of multi-million dollar partnerships in the Philippines aimed at creating markets for dairy farmers and other village-based businesses.

The typhoon is expected to have resulted in significant loss of property, including houses and livestock.

Heifer said it is working to provide relief to 4,000 affected project participants as soon as possible with the aid of other organizations and local governments.

It is asking for short-term help in the form of food, water and building materials for shelter.

Direct donations can be made at http://www.heifer.org/haiyan. Updates will be provided at this link.