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The storm that swept through the Philippines and continues to cause massive destruction across Southeast Asia is one of the deadliest natural disasters of modern times. As well as the thousands of deaths, millions of people have seen their homes destroyed as a result of the destruction.
This morning it was reported that a 4.8 magnitude Earthquake struck the Philippines, potentially causing further damage. Thousands of people in the country had already been left homeless by an Earthquake in mid-October.
The UN has launched an urgent aid appeal to its members, and has released $25 million in aid from the central emergency response fund to help with the recovery operations. Aid agencies are struggling to reach affected areas, and most have issued emergency appeals for donations as they attempt to respond to the disaster.
Gareth Crawford of Plan International spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning about the challenges facing relief workers in the region:
During the Celtic Tiger years, Irish people often proved themselves to be extremely generous when donating to charity and relief funds. After the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and earthquake, for example, Irish citizens donated approximately €75 million. That figure worked out as an average of almost €20 per person in the country - about three times the UK average of €6.70, and ten times the US average of €1.90.
People intending to donate money to relief efforts are advised to ensure they are donating to verified charitable organisations, as fake charities often pop up in the wake of disasters to take advantage of people's generosity. Donators are generally recommended to stick with financial donations unless otherwise requested, and allow charities flexibility to use the funds however they see fit. They're also urged to remember that relief efforts continue long after the initial disaster, with donations still much needed months and years later.
Will you or have you donated to relief efforts in the Philippines? Do you donate regularly, not just during disasters? Can you simply not afford a donation, or are you unable or reluctant to donate for other reasons? Vote in our poll and leave your comments below.
