EDIT 4:51 PM ET: Earlier today, we posted a map of Typhoon Haiyan comparing the size of the storm to geography of the United States. In the process of making the rest of our maps for our operations in the Philippines, we made a mistake with this one and it was not to scale. We always strive to provide the most accurate information possible and we missed the mark with this one-literally. We would like to apologize for this mistake and thank the people who kindly pointed this out to us. We would like to thank everyone for their patience and their continued support of the American Red Cross. We are working on revising the image so it is correct.
To support relief efforts for Typhoon Haiyan, click here.
The images and stories coming out of the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan have given a glimpse to the massive destruction that has impacted an estimated 9.5 million people across nine regions.
Since its initial landfall on Friday, November 8 in Eastern Samar, Philippines, more than 600,000 people have been displaced, and more than 1,400 evacuation centers have been opened. The Philippine Red Cross is reporting at least 1,200 deaths, with the number likely to increase as previously inaccessible areas are reached.
Philippine Red Cross volunteer rescue and relief teams continue to provide assistance in the hardest hit communities, including assisting in search and rescue efforts and distributing food and relief supplies to survivors and are working in close coordination with government disaster authorities.
In addition, four American Red Cross disaster relief specialists have been deployed to assist in the assessment and relief efforts, including two American Red Cross telecommunication specialists. The telecommunications specialists have brought along a satellite since communication is still very limited in the hardest hit communities.
Last night the American Red Cross loaded up their VSA, a satellite communication system for a flight to the Philippines.
The Red Cross has activated its family tracing services. If you are looking for a missing family member in the Philippines, please remember that many phones lines are down. Please continue trying. If you are still unable to reach them, contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross to initiate a tracing case.
As Haiyan approaches Vietnam the Red Cross continues its relief efforts to communities affected by Typhoons Wutip and Nari, including an American Red Cross volunteer working there.
To support relief efforts for this typhoon, click here.