MANILA,
Philippines—In response to the massive devastation caused by Super Typhoon
Haiyan, Jehovah’s Witnesses have organized an ongoing global relief effort for
the Philippines.
The branch office of Jehovah’s
Witnesses in Manila formed five disaster relief committees to expedite
assistance to victims. More than 190 tons of supplies have been sent to
the central Philippines. Witnesses from at least ten countries offered to
assist with the relief effort. Volunteers are helping to rebuild and repair
over 2,000 homes or provide medical support.
As many as 225 people are still living
in tents set up by the Witnesses at a relocation site near Calbayog City,
Samar. An estimated 15 to 20 percent of those seeking refuge at the site
are non-Witnesses.
In the aftermath of what has proved to
be one of the most powerful storms to ever make landfall, the death toll has
risen to 6,201 and 1,785 people are still missing. Some 28,000 people were
injured and over 1 million homes were damaged. The Philippines branch office of
Jehovah’s Witnesses in Manila now confirms that 33 Witnesses have died and 10
are missing and presumed dead.
Mark Sanderson, a member of the Governing Body of
Jehovah’s Witnesses, visits disaster victims.
Beginning on December 7, 2013,
Mark Sanderson, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, visited
five provinces in the affected region over the course of seven days. He states:
“The tragic results of Typhoon Haiyan are still deeply affecting many in the
Philippines; yet we are prepared to continue providing the needed supplies,
manpower, and comfort to help the victims recover.”
Media Contact(s):
International: J. R. Brown, Office of Public
Information, tel. +1 718 560 5000
Philippines: Dean Jacek, tel.
+63 2 411 6090
LEARN MORE AT www.jw.org
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