Typhoon Hits Philippines, 10,000 Feared Dead
[Updated] Both the Government and Opposition have extended their sympathies and thoughts to the island’s Filipino community after the Philippines was struck by a massive typhoon that left a path of devastation and a death toll reports say could reach 1,200.
“We estimate 1,000 people were killed in Tacloban and 200 in Samar province,” Gwendolyn Pang, secretary general of the Philippine Red Cross, told CNN.
Experts predicted that it will take days to get the full scope of the damage wrought by a typhoon described as one of the strongest to make landfall in recorded history.
The casualties from the storm, which affected 4.3 million people in 36 provinces, occurred despite preparations that included the evacuation of more than 800,000 people, CNN reported.
“The last time I saw something of this scale was in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami,” said Sebastian Rhodes Stampa, head of the UN disaster assessment co-ordination team sent to Tacloban.
“This is destruction on a massive scale. There are cars thrown like tumbleweed and the streets are strewn with debris.”
The typhoon slammed into six central Philippine islands on Friday, wiping away buildings and leveling seaside homes. At least 118 of the confirmed deaths were on hardest-hit Leyte Island, where Tacloban is located.
Typhoon Haiyan – one of the most powerful storms on record to make landfall – is now bearing down on Vietnam, where tens of thousands are being evacuated.
A spokesperson for the Opposition said, “The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party joins with our families, neighbours and coworkers in support of and in sympathy with the Phillipines.
“Many of us hold deep ties to that beautiful country and are grateful for the contribution that has been made to our island home. Our support and prayers are with them.”
Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy said, “Bermuda has a very large Filipino community, and we understand that this must be a very uncertain time for them.
“We’re no strangers to hurricanes and tropical storms, and while Bermuda certainly pales in comparison to the numbers affected by Super Typhoon Haiyan – 4.3 million people – we wish to express our support, as we can empathise with the anxiety our Filipino friends must be experiencing in the wake of this storm.
“I want to take this opportunity to ask residents to keep our Filipino community and their families in their thoughts as they navigate through this very difficult time.”
Minister Fahy encouraged those residents who wish to assist, to support a fundraising event which is being held at the St. Theresa’s Church Hall on Monday by the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda. Proceeds will go towards aiding the humanitarian and relief efforts for the storm struck Philippine islands.
Update 9.17pm: Unfortunately the international media [ABC News, CBC, Mirror, Associated Press etc] is now reporting that the typhoon may have caused as many as 10,000 deaths.
They quote Chief Superintendent Elmer Soria as saying, “We had a meeting last night with the governor and the other officials. The governor said based on their estimate, 10,000 died.”
BREAKING: Philippine typhoon death toll could reach 10,000 after strongest storm ravages central region: http://t.co/K5xVcyY2jw -RJJ
— The Associated Press (@AP) November 10, 2013
The Association of Filipinos in Bermuda is holding a fundraising lunch this coming Monday [Nov 11] at 12 noon at St. Theresa’s Church Hall, with proceeds going towards the relief effort. All locals are welcome to attend.
Our prayers are with all our Phillipine friends and their loved ones and the victims during this difficult time.
Thoughts and prayers with them at such a hard time right now. Such a sad day. Thinking of you all.
To all Bermudians complaining about not being able to afford the luxuries they are used to, look around you.
As mentioned by the Hon. Minister Fahy, please come and support the fundraising Lunch we will conducting this coming Monday, Nov. 11th, 12 noon, at St. Theresa’s Church Hall. Many of our Filipino friends here in Bermuda have not yet heard from their families as all communication lines were destroyed due to the typhoon. The extent of the damage is unbelievable. We thank you all for kind thoughts and prayers.
Is there a way one can contribute if they are unable ro make the event?
Hi Sheldon,
The Filipino Association is also a registered charity (registered charity no. 529) so anyone can send their donations to the following account:
Association of Filipinos in Bermuda
Bank of NT Butterfield
Current Account no. 2000 6060 258 204 100
We will course the proceeds of the event to different reputable charities in the Philippines that are currently conducting relief operations. Many thanks!
Thanks for the information…
@Filipino Association in Bermuda – I am happy to attend your fund raiser on Nov. 11. Will you be coordinating your fundraising for disaster relief with the Bermuda Red Cross who will send to the Philippines Red Cross?
This is a devastating disaster but thankfully we have people who would rally together and support those that are effected by this regardless if it is directly or indirectly.
When Bermuda was hit by its most hardest hurricane, we saw those who had, help those who did not have and people came together from all walks of life, so today there are many of us that are not from the Philippines but our hearts and prayers go out to you, I think of those who I know personally that are friends of mine that work and reside here in Bermuda, those also who are Bermudians married to Philippinos, and have homes in the Philippines,your houses can be rebuilt but the lives that are lost can never be replaced and not knowing where or if your love ones is safe is a devastation all by itself.
So as we come together as one let us reflect that we never know when life will deal us a hand that is unbearable, but take comfort in knowing God will always have a people that will be their to aide and rescue in our time of need.let god be first in your life and let Him guide you at this hour, Only God can prepare you for that which is needed at this hour, man is limited but God is unlimited. He knows every situation before it happens and He is the only one who can comfort you at this time through His word.
Sincere prayers are with you and for you at this time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you guys and hope all your families are safe
That thing makes Fabian look like a summer squall. Makes Sandy, last year, look like a gentle breeze. Fabian only had GUSTS of over 150. This thing had sustained wind approaching 190. Try to imagine that kind of pressure on buildings which are nowhere near as strong as ours.
How can anything hit by the eyewall be left standing?
To all my Filipino friends here in Bermuda..u all are in my prayers..
Peace goes out to all those affected by this situation.