5 Ways How to Help after a Disaster

Super Typhoon Goni (local name Rolly) struck the Philippines last November 1, 2020.  It is the fifth storm to impact the Philippines in just over three weeks.  About 2.1 million people were affected by the storm, with more than 517,000 people displaced.

Typhoon Vamco (local name Ulysses) lashed the main island of Luzon last November 11, 2020.  Flash floods and landslides were reported in the provinces of Catanduanes and Camarines Sur.

In Marikina City, around 40,000 houses were either partially or fully submerged, and that all 47 evacuation centers in the city are full with some evacuees seeking temporary shelter in nearby homes. Similar episodes of immersed houses and people trapped were reported in the provinces of Rizal, Bulacan, and Cavite.

These kinds of disasters are not new to us, but what is alarming is how climate change is making storms more destructive.  A study published in May that hurricanes, typhoons, and tropical cyclones worldwide are becoming stronger and potentially more deadly.

So meaning there will be more disaster that will come. As an individual who is compelled to help how then I can help those disaster victims today and in the future?

1. Donate Money – donating money is the most effective way to help victims and survivors. Make sure to choose a reputable and legitimate organization that has its own expertise in responding to emergency response. 

Here are some of the relief organizations where you can donate: World Vision Philippines, Plan International Philippines, Unicef Philippines, Save the Children, Samaritan Purse

2. Fundraise – You can organize a fundraiser within your community (classmates, churchmates, officemates, relatives/family).

Use a crowdfunding platform that you can use to fundraise. Make sure to use a platform that is safe and secure. You can invite families and friends to join the cause World Vision Fundraise, Save the Children Fundraise

3. Donate food or non-food items – If you have family/relatives who are affected, get in touch with them.  Ask what they need before sending goods. Think and plan ahead how you can send your donation.  Do not give them the problem of how they can get your donation.

If donating to an organization, inquire with them first if they are accepting donations of foods, clothes, or other items before sending anything.

Don’t donate that degrade dignity.  When you donate put your shoes to others. Ask this question, if they will receive these items will they feel thankful, and will this be useful to them?

Remember donations such as goods or clothes have some things to do like sorting, matching, storage, logistics. It is still best to donate money to legitimate organizations since they have standards of relief goods that are readily available for release.

4. Volunteering – you can donate blood if you are able Red Cross Philippines. Join and volunteer to the organization: List of Volunteer Organizations you can join. 

The most essential thing to bring with you aside from that you have your personal things is to be emotionally prepared and physically fit. The place and condition you will go to is not pleasantly comfortable. Always remember the purpose of why you volunteer yourself and that is to help and to serve.

When volunteering know that some organization has volunteer liability waiver. Make sure to read and understand.Your decision to participate as a volunteer is made of your free will. You assume full responsibility for any risk of bodily injury or death.

5. Start or support a campaign for preparedness for disaster & emergencies affecting the community, children, women, and persons with disabilities.

Women's Rights in Disasters & Emergencies, Disability Rights, Autism Response

Reference: https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-typhoon-goni-situation-report-1-november-12-2020, https://reliefweb.int/report/philippines/philippines-typhoon-vamco-ulysses-snapshot-12-november-2020, https://edition.cnn.com/2020/11/12/asia/typhoon-vamco-philippines-intl/i...