We have all seen the haunting images from the Philippines, showing the destructive aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan.
The storm struck land on Nov. 8, bringing with it unimaginable devastation. By Nov. 12, officials had recovered nearly 2,000 dead. Many more, possibly tens of thousands, may have been lost. For those who remain searching the rubble for survivors, this may be most frightening part of the situation.
It is clear that the Philippines needs our help.
Our government took immediate action, pledging $5 million in assistance. Our first C-17 aircraft departed for the region on Nov. 11, bringing with it urgently required medical equipment and supplies. We also dispatched our Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to the region, where it can help provide clean water and humanitarian support in severely affected areas.
In addition, our government has announced that it will match your contributions to Canadian charities supporting emergency response and recovery in the Philippines.
While thousands have been evacuated with Canadian and United Nations assistance, it is clear that this region will require food, water, temporary shelters and medicine for some time to come. Determining a full package of support in these situations may take some time as emergency workers assess the totality of the situation. Our government stands willing to provide what is needed. In the meantime, we can offer our thoughts and prayers for all those affected by this natural disaster, and work to continue raising the money that will be needed by charities to mount continuing response.
Earlier this year, we watched floodwaters damage our infrastructure, cutting off our neighbours from help, and threatening entire communities. In the wake of the Southern Alberta floods I was left with a new appreciation for the raw power of nature’s ferocity. I was also awed by the generosity of our region’s residents and the ability of charitable organizations like the Red Cross to provide rapid response.
In the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, I try to imagine an even larger disaster, striking a poor nation without the infrastructure or resources necessary to respond.
That is why I donated to the Red Cross Typhoon Haiyan Fund (www.redcross.ca) and I encourage you to do so as well.
