TYPHOON ODETTE THAT HIT IN THE PHILIPPINES

Last Wednesday, 16th of December, Typhoon Odette (Super typhoon Rai) made landfall at 6:30 pm in the south/central regions of the Philippines. Severe damage to property, life and community infrastructure has been experienced in the Visayas and Mindanao. According to the chairman of the Philippine Red Cross, Senator Richard Gordon, Typhoon Odette (Rai) was one of the strongest storms ever known to have hit the Philippines. It reached a sustained peak wind speed of 195 kph (with gusts up to 250kph). This disaster has caused extensive damage to my hometown of Province of Cebu . My once picturesque coastal community is now a picture of complete carnage. Extreme winds and storm surges in the coastal area have ripped to shreds homes, hospital, schools, and community buildings, preventing access to safe drinking water & cutting off power facilities as well as access to transport, phone and internet, effectively plunging the community into darkness. Hundreds of downed trees are blocking aid access throughout the community.

I am organizing this fund raiser to help those who are severely affected by the typhoon and provide relief goods, safe drinking water and other essential items to those families and individuals who have lost so much. Our town Mayor Gary Rama will be handling the relief effort directly so your money would go straight to those in need. This island community badly needs your help. If you have the means, please donate on this page-any amount will help and will be greatly appreciated. Maybe we can yet bring a small amount of light to an otherwise extremely dark Christmas for the people of Cebu. Thanks for your support.