Typhoon Haiyan: 7 ways your help can change lives
In the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, Oxfam and its partners are launching a major response to the emergency , with a goal of reaching 500,000 people. You can donate here to support our efforts.
But what will that response actually look like?
Right now, our teams of local and international staffers are already on the ground in the hard-hit provinces of Cebu, Leyte, and Samar, and will work with local organizations to provide the most urgent basics: clean water, food, and sanitation facilities.
After our initial assessments, Oxfam plans to do the following:
1. Distribute household water filters, which can clean dirty flood water and make it safe for drinking.
2. Distribute food, or provide cash where food is available locally, so families don’t go hungry.
3. Pay people to help clear debris, giving them a source of income and providing access to remote locations.
4. Install temporary toilets, which are quick and easy to erect and help prevent the spread of disease.
5. Provide plastic sheeting, to give people basic protection from the elements.
6. Help farming and fishing families get back on their feet with tools, seeds, and nets.
7. As always, we will ensure all our activities consider the needs of women, who are often the most vulnerable people in emergency situations.
Roads and airports have been severely damaged, so getting to the most remote areas is extremely challenging. But the Oxfam program is underway and soon thousands of families will have access to essential aid. And as the scale of the disaster becomes clear, we will adapt our response to ensure we can best support people in desperate need.