Globally Renowned Humanitarian And Celebrated Spiritual Leader, Amma Dedicates Two Million (USD) In Aid To Typhoon Haiyan Victims In Philippines

MA Center, California

SAN RAMON, Calif., Dec. 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Globally renowned humanitarian and spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma) through her world wide charity Embracing the World has created a relief and rehabilitation package with two million US dollars donated specifically for those hardest hit by the Haiyan Typhoon (Typhoon Yolanda) in the Leyte region. One million dollars has been specifically earmarked for children and their educational needs.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131216/DC34466-a)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131216/DC34466-b)

Typhoon Yolanda is considered to be the most powerful storm to ever make landfall, battering the Southeast Asian nation with close to 320 km per hour winds in November 2013.

Over 13 million people have been severely affected; four million displaced and over one million have lost their homes. A staggering 7,000 people have died and the number continues to grow daily. Currently over 2.5 million Filipinos now rely on food aid to survive.

Amma sent delegates from her Embracing the World charity, including Swami Ramakrishnananda who met with local dignitaries including the Governor of Leyte, Dominic L. Petilla, Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez; Congressman Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, and former Senator Jamby Madrigal on Amma's behalf.

Amma shared a message about the disaster: "I was greatly distressed to see the devastation that took the lives of so many innocent people and added an immense burden to the entire nation. During this time of tragedy my heart goes out to each and every being and I pray for their peace and strength. As the holidays approach please pray for the departed souls, their families and all people of the Philippines who continue to suffer."

Mata Amritanandamayi Devi has provided more than 50 million USD in aid to disaster survivors in the last decade. Her philanthropic work has benefited hundreds of thousands throughout the world including those affected by the Indian Ocean Tsunami of 2004, Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the Great East Japan earthquake in 2011, the flash flood in Kedarnath, North India and many more.

For further information please visit www.embracingtheworld.org

SOURCE MA Center, California