Superstorm in the Philippines

[Lex]

This sounds like an increaibly powerful typhoon.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24846813

[Gladys]

It must be terrifying for the poor people out there. I hope for calm and then repairs can begin but the cost of them will be tremendous. Sadly,I'm sure it will take years.

[Margaret]

These poor people get such a terrible battering from storms, earthquakes and flooding , we can't imagine what they are going through.

[Gladys]

Channel Five news just said it looks like it is beginning to pass. I cannot begin to imagine 200 mile an hour winds.

[Lex]

The casualties haven't even started to be counted yet (apart from 100 in 1 town).

[Lex]

The latest figure I heard was 10,000 and heading upwards.

[Gladys]

I am moved to tears watching footage of people speaking to journalists and literally begging for food and water etc- basics we take for granted.America have sent troops with aid- what are we doing?I heard on the News we have pledged £10 million - good but what and where are we doing/getting it from? (Double edged sword- I don't mean to stir. It is just that we have so much poverty here and with the EU gates about to flood, I do wonder what we are actually about.) I would give my last penny to these poor people and if I was fit and younger , I would volunteer to go out and help.

[Lex]

It is getting worse by the day over there. There are currently torrential thunder storms happening at the minute, and apparently another tropical storm on the way.

[Gladys]

I am moved to offer my skills (as little as they are) but also do not know how you do this if you are similarly moved. Does any one know what you do to offer help? There are the various donation phone lines but what about those who have medical etc skills that can and will help- how do they sign up?

[rebbonk]

Gladys,

Possibly International Red Cross or via Filipino contacts from QE at Birmingham?

This looks interesting Link

However, reports are saying that the most effective way of helping is via donations. - At least on the US news wires

[Lex]

The Disaster Emergency Committee is involved in fundraising, so you should be able to donate at your local Oxfam too.

[Lex]

Just found the DEC donations page: http://www.dec.org.uk/appeals

[Gladys]

Thanks all, I think the donation route is the only one I can commit to at the moment and sadly it won't be a lot. They need so much and there's much to be done, this will take years.

[Lex]

Aid is finally starting to get to those who need it:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24950905

[Margaret]

We sent a donation via the bank, we found it a convenient way of contributing something.

[rebbonk]

Another site that may be of interest...

[URL="http://unseenheroes.org.uk/"]Unseen HeroesURL]

Looks like ex-military people putting themselves forward to help