Humanitarian response to Typhoon Haiyan

Typhoon Haiyan

Philippine citizens gather around a U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 12 as it delivers relief supplies Nov. 17, 2013, during Operation Damayan in Guiuan
Deaths	6,340 confirmed, 1,061 missing

In the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, the Philippines received numerous messages of condolence and offers of assistance from a range of international leaders.

The United Nations said it was going to increase critical relief operations as a result of the devastation caused by the typhoon. Its Manila office issued a statement that read, "Access remains a key challenge as some areas are still cut off from relief operations. Unknown numbers of survivors do not have basic necessities such as food, water and medicines and remain inaccessible for relief operations, as roads, airports and bridges were destroyed or covered in wreckage." The United Nations also began relief operations by this time; however, the severe damage to infrastructure hampered efforts to distribute supplies. The UN activated the Cluster System, in which groups of humanitarian organizations (UN and non-UN) work to restore health, shelter, nutrition and economic activity.

The World Health Organization, which leads the Health Cluster, the largest one, has developed guidance on donations of medicine and healthcare equipment, so that the Philippines receives supplies appropriate for this emergency. According to WHO, many people suffered cuts, wounds, and broken bones during the disaster and others were injured in flooding that followed the typhoon. Interpol announced that they would send in Interpol officers from Lyon to help local law enforcement identify any of the corpses that are unidentified.

The World Health Organization has spearheaded initiatives among help workers, especially from the Department of Health (Philippines), in extending Psychological First Aid to people in typhoon-affected areas. WHO Representative in the country Dr Julie Hall foresees long-lasting effects from the typhoon. She calls for increased preparedness to give support to families and communities for the long-term, citing the need for more trained field workers.

South Africa gave humanitarian assistance through sending its delegation composing of medics and aid workers to calamity-affected areas.They also sent over some food and water to helpAlgeria pledged $3 million worth of rice as relief goods.

The government of Colombia, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed its lament toward the dramatic consequences caused by typhoon Haiyan and offered to collaborate in any way possible at the request of the Philippine government. A plan was also implemented to aid its affected nationals and anyone in general with ties to Colombia through its consulate general in Manila.Chile also pledged to send humanitarian aid.Mexico donated US$1,000,000.