American Red Cross Issues Three-Month Report on Typhoon Haiyan Response

News provided by

Feb 11, 2014, 05:04 ET

WASHINGTON, Feb. 11, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Three months after Typhoon Haiyan slammed into the Philippines, the American Red Cross continues to provide emergency aid and assistance while planning for long-term recovery needs.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090108/RedCrossLOGO)

In its three-month report, the American Red Cross describes the work that is being done through the eyes of disaster specialists who have been on the ground ensuring relief reaches those in need. Thanks to generous donations, more than two million Filipinos have benefited from Red Cross services since the November 8, 2013 typhoon. The report can be found at: Typhoon Haiyan- 3 Month Update.

"I arrived in the Philippines two weeks after the typhoon struck where I saw both the heartbreaking impact of this disaster and the work that's been done by Red Cross teams from around the world to help those in need," said Harold Brooks, senior vice president, International Operations, American Red Cross. "Seeing this global effort come together to reach those affected by this terrible disaster was very powerful. Because of our dedicated volunteers and the generosity of the American people, we are able to provide compassionate support to people at their time of greatest need."

To date, the American Red Cross has sent 43 disaster specialists who have assisted with telecommunication, mapping, information management, distribution of cash and relief supplies, as well as helping to plan for long-term recovery.

Since the typhoon struck, the American Red Cross has spent or committed $28 million to the relief effort. This money is being used to purchase and distribute relief items such as food, blankets, hygiene kits and mosquito nets, and to provide cash grants to more than 35,600 people to address storm-related needs. The American Red Cross expects to make additional financial commitments to the typhoon response in the Philippines as we support ongoing and long-term recovery efforts.

The American Red Cross continues to work with the Philippine Red Cross, community members, the local government and partner organizations to ensure that its work in the Philippines meets community needs and is sustainable well into the future. On average, 91 cents of every dollar spent by the American Red Cross goes directly to humanitarian services and programs.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

SOURCE American Red Cross