Typhoon Ondoy is our Hurricane Katrina

Today, I received an email from a friend regarding the worst typhoon that has hit the Philippines 4 days ago. Though we have limited the topics posted on this blog to photography and a few personal topics, I feel that this recent natural disaster needs to reach the broadest audience possible as literally thousands of families' survival are at stake as we speak. To the few readers of this blog, we appeal for your support. Please feel free to forward this post to relatives, friends and coworkers.

Below is the exact email from Jam Bonoan and further down are some photos from the recent days:

Dear friends,

The situation in Metro Manila and the 23 other provinces affected by Typhoon Ondoy is grim. Even as the fourth day since the flash flood dawns, many are still on their rooftops waiting to be rescued. Entire families are still unaccounted for. No one has an idea of the actual number of fatalities but the government estimate is expected to rise sharply as the receding waters reveal heartbreaking images. Make-shift evacuation centers which house more than a hundred thousand people are desperately low on medical supplies and relief goods. While rescue efforts are still ongoing, the aftermath of such a disaster can be just as dire and life-threatening for survivors. Government and aid institutions, already overwhelmed with refugee challenges, expect other health issues including the outbreak of infections and other diseases.

Typhoon Ondoy is our country's Hurricane Katrina. Our fellow Filipinos urgently NEED OUR HELP so let's open our hearts and GIVE WHAT WE CAN.

Your generosity can save lives. Please give to your preferred or trusted institutions. Here are some options to consider:

To donate to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), please visit their website at http://www.redcross.org.ph/Site/PNRC/wtd.aspx, for instructions.

For those who prefer to donate online via credit card, you can also give to the typhoon victims through a tax-deductible donation to the Ayala Foundation-USA website at http://www.af-usa.org/donate_now_form.asp. In the "donation for" option, you can choose to donate to the PNRC or to the Ayala USA Typhoon Relief Fund.

Online credit card donations are also welcomed through the Xavier School's fund for Typhoon Ondoy victims at https://www.myayala.com/sjph/. Just specify intention by typing "xs4ondoy" after "I would like to donate to.." option.

Another option is to send a check to the Philippine Jesuit Foundation: 236 West 27th Street, Ninth Floor, New York, NY 10001. Specify that funds are for the Typhoon Ondoy victims. Your donations through the PJF are also tax deductible.

Thank you very much for your generosity.

Please feel free to cut/paste/edit and forward this message to your friends. Your personal request can make a difference.

Sincerely,

Jam Bonoan