Citizens are making a plea for help in the Philippines

The Typhoon that slammed much of the Philippines on Friday is being called one of the strongest storms on record, and as the death toll continues to rise, officials expect the final number to be around 10,000. Those that were able to escape with minor injuries, or even none at all, are facing the reality of homelessness and a lack of food and medicine. Authorities report that at least 23,000 homes were destroyed, or badly damaged, and while aid groups have already been trying to get the necessary supplies to the Philippines, many people are wandering the streets sick, and in need of immediate aid.
Erika Mae Karakot said from Leyte Island: “We need water and medicine because a lot of the people we are with are wounded. Some are suffering from diarrhea and dehydration due to shortage of food and water.” With such a shortage of basic goods, people are beginning to steal whatever they can find, and chaos is erupting. “We’re afraid that it’s going to get dangerous in town because relief goods are trickling in very slow,” said Bobbie Womack, an American missionary from Athens, Tennessee. “I know it’s a massive, massive undertaking to try to feed a town of over 150,000 people. They need to bring in shiploads of food.”
The United Nations has said that it will send supplies, but pointed out that it is very difficult to access parts of the country. “Reaching the worst affected areas is very difficult, with limited access due to the damage caused by the typhoon to infrastructure and communications,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Tomoo Hozumi. One woman who appeared on an ABS-CBN video made a cry for help. “I don’t know what happened to us. We are appealing for help. Whoever has a good heart, I appeal to you – please help Guiuan.”